Ashish Ranjan
Kane Williamson, captain of New Zealand, is cautiously optimistic about his prospects of qualifying for the October ODI World Cup 2023 in India. During the first contest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Williamson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, necessitating surgery.
Since then, the captain has been sidelined, and it was uncertain whether he would recover in time for the World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India. Williamson is presently on the path to recovery; however, he is not rushing the process and is instead achieving small rehabilitation milestones.
“Being at the World Cup is always an honour. Regarding the current date and time, it is still a matter of conjecture at this point. There is much labour to complete. Williamson was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying, “I am simply following the programme with the professionals for physio, the support staff, and New Zealand cricket.”
“And it’s difficult because there are some excellent days and then some variable ones. “However, having that [World Cup] in the back of your mind is obviously motivating, and you want to continue seeing these improvements,” he continued.
The white-ball captain of New Zealand has begun throwing in net sessions and is expectant of facing bowlers in the coming weeks.
“Yeah, we’re still working through some of those attempts and positions. “I’ve never had to break it down so much in terms of some of the spin work, the variation, and the links, all these things that you never gave much thought to,” he said.
“Now, you’re attempting to exaggerate some of the movements in order to better prepare them for the more intense activities. Williamson concluded, “However, it is progressing well and, hopefully, is not too far away from both.”
Williamson will join the national team for the series against England beginning on August 30 and continue his rehabilitation there. On the other hand, New Zealand’s World Cup campaign begins on October 5 against England at the historic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
