New Zealand white-ball skipper Kane Williamson has reportedly been ruled out of Indian T20 League 2023. In the game against Chennai, he tried to save a six. Even though he did it successfully, he injured his knee in the process as he came down. Williamson was taken on the shoulder by some of the squad members. This indicated that the right-hander will not take part in the game.
As it turned out, the 2021 Test Championship-winning skipper was replaced by uncapped Indian Sai Sudharsan. The latter played decently before being caught by MS Dhoni off Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Sudharsan was the second impact sub in the game after Chennai replaced Tushar Deshpande with Ambati Rayudu during the second innings.
Meanwhile, after the defending champions won the game, skipper Hardik Pandya was asked about Williamson. The former said that he messaged Kane and isn’t aware of the update on Kane’s injury. Pandya added that the New Zealand player went for the scans and their is no confirmation of his comeback
“I just messaged him. I don’t know about the update, I just messaged him. He has gone for the scans. So, once he comes back after the scans and the doctors check then only will be able to know what exactly it is. Right now there is no time frame and what exactly has happened. It is the knee for sure but I don’t know how serious it is and how much time he will take,” Hardik Pandya said as reported by Sports Tak.
Kane Williamson likely to be ruled out for the entire season
Given the nature of the injury, it is highly likely that the former New Zealand U19 skipper won’t take any further part in the league. Not to forget, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi also suffered the same fate twice last year. Even though he played the 20-20 World Cup 2022, he didn’t play any cricket before the PSL 2023 due to the reoccurrence of the knee problem.
This is how Twitter reacted
Kane Williamson Ruled Out Of IPL 2023… pic.twitter.com/RuQ0Fr8DGV
— Nawaz ?? (@Rnawaz31888) April 1, 2023
Kane Williamson always give his 100% on the Field. Brilliant Save by him in yesterday match but unfortunately he will ruled out OF IPL 2023. Get well Soon Champ. pic.twitter.com/lOvszOVacP
— Ayush Ranjan (@AyushRaGenius) April 1, 2023
Logically Kane Williamson's like for like replacement could be Steve Smith but if @gujarat_titans are brave they could think out of box and rope in Dasun Shanaka#IPL2023
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) April 1, 2023
Kane Williamson Me for 15
For 2 runs : marks question pic.twitter.com/uUgsGbhsd3— Shibhhuu (@shibhhuu) March 31, 2023
Priority. Kane Williamson ?? pic.twitter.com/rb06BZ2g1w
— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) April 1, 2023
Reports emerged that Kane Williamson, who pulled out from Pakistan, SL (white-ball) tour due to IPL, will miss upcoming matches due to injury#IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/EJrTlXfNKR
— muzamilasif (@muzamilasif4) April 1, 2023
I don't want to support GT but now Kane is in that team ?????? #IPL2023OpeningCeremony
— Anjali Shetty (@AnjalyShetty) March 31, 2023
Kane Williamson ignores Pakistan tour and is now out of IPL 2023 (Greed is a bad word)@NewZeland10 pic.twitter.com/Rnt3V6YYz6
— Musharaf Liaqat (@MusharafLiaqat) April 1, 2023
What happened with Kane Williamson? Is he okay? ?
Apne dost se pooch kr aati hu ?
— Something ? (@margaret27_) April 1, 2023
Kane williamson ignored Pakistan tour for IPL. Now he's ruled out of IPL 2023. Lalach burri balaa hai.? #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/hNT6wgT6Hi
— UZAIR_44 (@uzair_8068) April 1, 2023
