IPL 2023: Kane Williamson bids goodbye to Gujarat Titans, leaves for New Zealand

Kane Williamson injured: New Zealand white-ball captain Kane Williamson’s stay at the Indian Premier League 2023 came to a premature end after the batter injured his knee in Gujarat Titans’ opening game against Chennai Super Kings. While trying to save a six, Williamson landed awkwardly on his right knee and could not get up, during the first innings of the game.

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Gujarat Titans found it best to send the player home

Williamson was sent for scans and Gujarat Titans found it best to send the player home. New Zealand Cricket in a statement confirmed the developments and said that Williamson was being flown back to the country for further assessments

Following his release from the Gujarat Titans with a knee injury further assessed

“Following his release from the Gujarat Titans with a knee injury, Kane Williamson will return to NZ to have the injury further assessed. Preparations are now underway for him to return to NZ next week and be seen by relevant medical specialists to establish a treatment plan,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Gujarat released a video of Williamson in the early hours of Monday confirming that the player was flying out.

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“Sad to be leaving so soon. I will miss the camp for sure. See you soon,” Williamson said in the video.

“Just wanna wish the Gujarat Titans team all the best for the remainder of the season. Wish I could have been there with you all but not to be. And I also want to thank the fans for all their love support and I look forward to a speedy recovery. Thank you,” he concluded before getting into his transport.

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New Zealand would like to keep a close watch on their captain’s progress in the World Cup year. Williamson, one of the best grafters and spin batters from New Zealand will be crucial to the team’s success in the ODI World Cup, set to be played in India later in the months of October and November.