The New Zealand Team will receive a massive boost, as skipper Kane Williamson is all set to make a comeback into the team for the ODI World Cup in India after successful knee surgery. It has been confirmed that the Kiwis’ skipper is said to be part of New Zealand’s 15-men squad for the marquee event.
Williamson is making steady progress in recovering from a knee injury, which he sustained during the 1st game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Chennai Super Kings. The 33-year-old had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, for which he underwent surgery and is currently undergoing rehabilitation with the team in England.
Speaking to the media, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead hailed Kane Williamson for the efforts that he has put in during the rehabilitation. Stead asserted that the management is elated to pick him for the World Cup.
“Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him.
“He’s left no stone unturned in trying to get back to playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him,” Gary Stead said.
Kane Williamson led the New Zealand side to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup before losing to England in a super over. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been leading the team in ODI cricket in his absence.
The return of Williamson could be a big boost for the team as he can anchor the innings in the middle overs for the Black Caps.
The Kiwis will be hopeful of their skipper returning in full fitness for the World Cup, as his form and fitness would be crucial for New Zealand in India.
New Zealand has been one of the consistent performers in the white-ball ICC events: reaching the finals of the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup followed by the 2021 T20 World Cup final.
The team has performed very well against high-quality opponents in the ICC events to perform consistently to reach the knockouts of the ICC events and they will look to put fine show in the marquee event in India.