ICC World Cup 2023 is keeping everyone on its toes even though the tournament hasn’t started yet. The excitement is getting doubled up as each day passes by. The cricket extravaganza will take place in India from 5th October and the final is all set to take place on 19th November.
New Zealand will be one of the favourites going into the tournament. The Kiwis over the past few years have been one of the most consistent teams and having finished up as runner-ups in the last ODI World Cup, they would be hoping to go one step ahead this time and clinch the trophy.
ICC World Cup 2023: NZC gives 2 weeks time to Kane Williamson to prove his fitness for World Cup
New Zealand however, have a major concern going into the ICC World Cup 2023. Their skipper Kane Williamson isn’t fit enough to take part in the tournament. The batter is putting hard yards in the nets and is recovering well but there’s no surety if he will be fit or not.
With Kane Williamson undergoing recovery sessions along with batting in nets, New Zealand Cricket (NZC), as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, have given him 2 weeks to prove his fitness. If he fails to gain full fitness in the desired time, it’s fair to say that the ICC World Cup won’t see him playing.
Kane Williamson suffered a terrible injury in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He was immediately ruled out of the tournament and was flown back to his home for the surgery.
Read Also: ICC World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson hopeful to be fully fit for the World Cup in India
Kane Williamson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while fielding at the boundary ropes in the opening game of the IPL 2023. The Gujarat Titans batter was in immense pain and following his surgery, many reports even have suggested that he will miss the ODI World Cup as well.
ICC World Cup 2023: Very much just trying to keep it week-to-week at the moment – Kane Williamson optimistic about his return
Kane Williamson, however, himself isn’t ruling himself out of the tournament. He’s trying every possible way to be fit. Talking about his injury and recovery, he said:
“Very much just trying to keep it week-to-week at the moment. I haven’t had such a long-term injury before but talking to other people that have, the journey is a bit of a long one so if you look too far ahead it probably can become a little bit daunting.
“Whereas, one week at a time, ticking off those small markers, those little wins that are nice to experience. But also knowing that the journey won’t be completely smooth and you have a few setbacks along the way that you have to navigate.”
It remains to be seen if Kane Williamson will get fit for the ICC World Cup 2023 or not. If he doesn’t get fit in time then will be part of the team as a mentor.