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Kane Williamson Set To Be Back In New Zealand Squad For World Cup 2023

image-lm55ol8dKane Williamson (Source: X)

The star batter and the regular captain of the New Zealand side, Kane Williamson, has beaten the odds to be available for the all-important ICC World Cup 2023 to be played in India during the months of October-November. The right-hander raced against time to be fit for the event, which he had set his eyes on after suffering from a knee injury, precisely, ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However, he is undergoing rehabilitation, and his total recovery depends on how well he catches up.

Williamson's injury happened during the very first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 when he was playing for Gujarat Titans. It was speculated that he would miss the entire cricket to be played in the year, but his focus and determination ensured that the Kiwi skipper remained in the race for the mega-event.

Additionally, New Zealand coach Gary Stead has praised Williamson and mentioned that he has made tremendous progress over the last few months, prompting them to include him in the squad. Previously, Stead cautiously mentioned that Kane must prove his fitness within the next two weeks, which now appears to be in his favour.

"Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him. He's left no stone unturned in trying to get back playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him," said Stead.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old still believes that he has to keep working to ensure that his abilities are back to 100%, which can only happen if he achieves his targets on a day-by-day basis.

"Through this entire process I have tried to keep an open mind on when I might be able to return to cricket and not get too focused on one date or match. Being selected doesn't change that, and I know there's still work to do and day-by-day goals to tick off to get back on the field with the team," said Williamson.

Furthermore, only Kane's name was announced for the World Cup, whereas the rest of the squad will be revealed on 11th September.

To the unversed, Williamson underwent surgery on his knee in June, after which he has been in rehabilitation. Although his availability for the World Cup opener against England is still unconfirmed, but he would keep his hopes high.