In their second match of IPL 2023, the defending champions Gujarat Titans will be without the services of their star overseas signing Kane Williamson when they take on the Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.
Kane Williamson has been ruled out of IPL 2023 due to a knee injury
Kane Williamson suffered a right knee injury while attempting a catch near the boundary line during Gujarat’s first match of the season against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi stadium. He managed to save two runs – deflecting the ball in the air that was going for a six back on the ground and it went for a four – but was seen wincing in agonizing pain and he laid on the ground.
This was his debut game for Gujarat Titans after being released from SRH, where he spent his 8 seasons in the IPL.
The New Zealand batter returned home on Tuesday and was seen in crutches with his right knee heavily strapped at the airport.
“It is sad to lose Kane to injury so early in the tournament. We wish him a speedy recovery, with the hope of seeing him in action very soon,” Titans’ director of cricket Vikram Solanki said in a statement.
The Gujarat Titans have not yet announced a replacement for Kane Williamson in their squad.
However, they have a couple of good options to replace him in the XI when they face David Warner’s Delhi Capitals at the at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
David Miller has joined the Titans after South Africa ODIs
The Titans have two solid left-handers in David Miller and Matthew Wade to replace Kane Williamson in the side. Wade was on the bench in the first match as GT went with Williamson, Josh Little, Rashid Khan and Alzarri Joseph as their 4 overseas players.
Wade is likely to remain on the bench for this game as well because David Miller has joined the GT squad after missing the first match due to national duties. South Africa were playing Netherlands in an ODI series that carried World Cup Super League points. Having played a starring role in South Africa’s victory, Miller is now set to play for the Titans in the IPL 2023.
David Miller had a bumper season last year – he was phenomenal with the bat and had perhaps his best IPL season: 481 runs at an average of 68 and strike rate of 142 with a best of 94*.
