New Zealand coach Gary Stead ready to consider injured Kane Williamson as 'Mentor' for the CWC 2023

Kane Williamson could mentor New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India if he isn't fit to participate as a player.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is ruled out of the cricketing action due to an injury he suffered in the IPL 2023. Williamson while playing for Gujarat Titans, injured his knee in their first game against Chennai Super Kings. This injury has also put him in doubt over ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 later this year. Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled for October-November this year. He is one of the most important players in the Blackcaps dressing room. Knowing his importance, coach Gary Stead has given a hint that Williamson will be available for NZ in every way. If not as a player, he will be part of the Blackcaps dressing room as a mentor.

New Zealand Coach Gary Stead has also not ruled him out as a player in the team. Kane Williamson almost had his hand on the World Cup trophy in the previous edition. Kane Williamson has suffered a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee. He underwent surgery and Williamson is currently going through rehabilitation. Williamson had gone through some tough times in terms of his fitness. After the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Williamson has played only 12 ODIs in 4 years.

Kane Williamson as Mentor for Blackcaps in CWC 2023

Blackcaps Coach Gary Stead said, “Look it’s still far too early to know… He’s had the operation and, to date, what we know, that’s been successful, so he is in the very early stage of his rehabilitation”. When he was asked if he would take Kane Williamson along as a mentor, He replied, “Yes, Definitely”. He further added, “Our line around Kane, at the moment, is still it’s unlikely that he will be available, but we certainly don’t want to rule out a person of his caliber and class, and the things he brings to this team, too early in case there is that chance still”.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will be hosted by India in around 12 cities of the country. The tournament is likely to start from 5th October and the Final will be played on November 19. New Zealand lost the previous World Cup final against England by a bizarre rule. England after playing a tie in the super over was awarded victory for hitting the maximum number of boundaries in the game.