Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the 2023 ICC ODI Men's World Cup in India this year after injuring his knee in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. try. A catch by Gujarat Titans. Williamson will need surgery on his injured right knee, after tests on Tuesday revealed he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while facing Gujarat Titans.

"The standard rehabilitation process means Williamson is unlikely to be fit and available for selection in the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup in India," the New Zealand Cricket Association said in a statement on Thursday.

After receiving the news, Williamson wanted to acknowledge the support he has received since his injury. "I have received a lot of support in the last few days and I would like to thank Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket for that," Williamson said

“Naturally it’s disappointing to get such an injury, but my focus now is on having the surgery and starting rehab. It’s going to take some time, but I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible,” he added.

With the World Cup now on the horizon, Williamson promised to support the team in any way possible. "I look forward to doing what I can to support Gary and the team over the next few months."

Williamson is expected to undergo knee surgery in the next three weeks. Meanwhile, the reigning IPL champions GT have replaced Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka with Williamson for the remainder of the 2023 IPL season.

In 161 ODI matches, Williamson scored 6,554 runs at a best average of 47.83 and a strike rate of over 80. He also scored 13 centuries and 42 fifties in a row. He led New Zealand to the 2019 ODI World Cup where the Black Caps beat England by a huge margin after the final against England ended in a draw.