Gujarat Titans' Kane Williamson is helped by teammates back to Pavillion after he was injured during the Indian Premier League match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, 2023. Photo: AFP
Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League after sustaining a serious knee injury in the Gujarat Titans opening match against the Chennai Super Kings, his IPL has announced today.
According to New Zealand Cricket, Williamson will return home to have the injury further assessed by specialists here to establish a treatment plan.
"Preparations are now under way for him to return to NZ next week and be seen by relevant medical specialists to establish a treatment plan," the statement said.
The 32-year-old had to be helped off the field as Gujarat brought on Sai Sudharsan as an "Impact Player", a new rule the IPL brought in this season which allowed the 21-year-old Indian to bat at No. 3 instead of Williamson during the run chase.
Gujarat did not mention who would replace Williamson in their squad. The team, who are the reigning champions, won that match by five wickets.
On Saturday, Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said it was "too early to know" whether Williamson had done significant damage to his knee that would rule him out of the 50-overs World Cup to be held in India from October this year.
- Reuters