Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson Credits: Twitter

On the massive blow to Gujarat Titans, the star middle order batter Kane Williamson dealt with a serious injury that ruled him out of the Indian Premier League 2023. Earlier on Friday, Williamson seriously injured his knee trying to save a boundary in the game against Chennai Super Kings in the first game.

With IPL getting underway in Ahmedabad on Friday, Gujarat Titans suffered a huge blow in the 1st innings when Williamson was forced to walk off the field in just 13 overs when he tried to intercept a ball from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was batting in full flow in the league opener.

Kane Williamson was seen in terrible pain and immediately received treatment from the physio but could not continue the game, and later on, he was taken to the hospital for scans and  Gujarat Titans brought in Sai Sudharasan as an impact player in place of the New Zealand batter.

Gujarat Titans’ debut didn’t go well for the Kiwis captain as it was his first season outside Sunrisers Hyderabad, who released him ahead IPL 2023 auction. Williamson was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad and was bought on his base price of 2 crores by  Gujarat Titans for the new season.

Willamson’s absence will leave a huge void in the Gujarat Titans order, they will look to use Matthew Wade and David Miller to cover his absence in the middle order. Coming into the match, Gujarat Titans comfortably defeated Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets with 4 balls to spare.

I Don’t Know How Serious Kane Williamson’s Injury – Hardik Pandya

Earlier on Friday, Hardik Pandya revealed that he is not aware of Williamson’s injury and stressed that they would know the exact situation of the injury only post- the scan results. With scan results out, according to the reports Kane Williamson might not play again in IPL 2023. It will be interesting to see whether Gujarat Titans seek a replacement for the New Zealand batter.

Kane Williamson and Shubman Gill
Kane Williamson and Shubman Gill Credits: Twitter

“I just messaged him. I don’t know about the update. He has gone for the scans. So, once he comes back after the scans and the doctor’s check, then only will be able to know what exactly it is. Right now there is no time frame – what exactly has happened? It is the knee for sure, but I don’t know how serious it is and how much time he will take,” Hardik Pandya said.

Gujarat Titans will take on Delhi Capitals in the second match in the Arun Jaitley Stadium, on April 4. They will look to continue their winning run against Delhi Capitals.