Kane Williamson to serve as mentor for New Zealand during ODI World Cup if unfit to play due to injury

Harshit Sachan April 26, 2023

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Kane Williamson may serve as a mentor for New Zealand during ODI World Cup if unfit to play due to injury — Image Courtesy: ESPNcricinfo/Twitter

New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson may serve as a mentor to his team during the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India if he does not recover from his injury on time.

According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead made it clear that it is too early to decide if Williamson will be available for the World Cup or not, as he is currently undergoing rehab. However, Stead stated that if not as a player, Williamson would be brought to India as a mentor.

Kane Williamson’s injury Update

Williamson sustained a knee injury during the opening match of the IPL 2023 season while attempting a catch for his team, the Gujarat Titans, against the Chennai Super Kings.

He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and had to leave India on crutches. Fortunately, he has had a successful operation and is now undergoing rehabilitation.

Stead provided some insight into Williamson’s rehabilitation process, stating that he is in the very early stages of his rehab programme and is currently in a brace.

Stead also said that it is still unlikely that Williamson will be available to play in the World Cup, but the team does not want to rule out the possibility too early, given Williamson’s class and calibre, and the value he brings to the team.

Still in the very early stages of rehab post knee surgery, Kane Williamson could be on the plane to India as team mentor should he not be fit says New Zealand coach Gary Stead 🗣️

👉 https://t.co/qR3oOa346h pic.twitter.com/LCVXRwpWl2
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 26, 2023

Stead’s statement also indicated that Williamson’s rehabilitation program is progressing as expected, but the team will need to meet specific milestones before they can determine whether Williamson will be able to play in the World Cup.

Kane Williamson as a Mentor

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Williamson’s availability as a player, Stead affirmed that he would consider taking Williamson to India as a mentor if he is not fit to play. Williamson’s experience and knowledge of the game would be an asset to the team, even if he cannot take the field.

While Williamson’s injury and rehabilitation continue to be closely monitored, New Zealand’s coaching staff remains optimistic about his potential participation in the ODI World Cup 2023. Even if Williamson is unable to play, his presence as a mentor would be invaluable to the team’s chances of success.