'Kya mtlb world cup ki prep shuru hojayenge' - Fans react as Kane Williamson ruled out of Indian T20 League 2023

After winning the first game of the Indian T20 League 2023 on Friday, defending champions Gujarat were dealt a blow on Sunday when one of their key batters, Kane Williamson, was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury sustained in the match against Chennai.

"We regret to announce Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the TATA IPL 2023 after sustaining an injury in the season opener against Chennai Super Kings. We wish our Titan a speedy recovery and hope for his early return," Gujarat said in a statement on Twitter.

Williamson will now return to New Zealand for further evaluation, the defending champions announced in a press release. Gujarat will finalise a replacement for the right-handed batter and announce it in due time.

During Gujarat's five-wicket win over Chennai, the 32-year-old injured his right knee in a fall while fielding at the boundary ropes. Williamson, making his debut for the team, intercepted a ball headed for a possible six off the bat of opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.

He was able to get the ball back into play before it bounced off the boundary ropes. But he stumbled to the ground and clutched his right knee in pain. He was taken off the field after receiving on-field treatment and did not return to bat, with B. Sai Sudharsan first coming on as a substitute fielder and later taking Williamson's place in the playing XI under the Impact Player rule.

"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," said Gujarat's director of cricket, Vikram Solanki, in a press release.

The team led by Hardik Pandya will play its next game against Delhi on the 4th of April at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. They will look to continue their winning momentum in this match.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Kane Williamson's news

Kya mtlb world cup ki prep shuru hojayenge 🌚

— Ansullllll (@AnaghAnsul) April 2, 2023

That's unfortunate max! pic.twitter.com/S8hNGyDqEI

— Logical Idiot (@logical_idiot_) April 2, 2023

Advantage GT

— samrat (@45isEmotion) April 2, 2023

Wc ki taiyari krega bkl

— Memer Singh☢️ (@Hrajput_17_) April 2, 2023

He was the reason why india qualified for the WTC with a dive



Get well soon kane mama❤

— Saij 7907 (@7907Saij) April 2, 2023

Daryll Mitchell is the best replacement, he is in great form, perfect no.3+ can bowl

— Kapil (@rohitpnwr23) April 2, 2023

He was the only good thing in that Chapri franchise.

Get well soon Kane Mama💙😭 pic.twitter.com/JCjlD6bpd2

— ً (@Ro45King) April 2, 2023

Sad for him. Coming back from amazing form...

— Sanjay Ganesh (@SanjayG46632536) April 2, 2023

Bro Got Ruled Out For Saving a 2 Run. So Sad 😭

— . (@MasterMassss) April 2, 2023

I think it was unnecessary to take such risk while fielding, One might save very few runs with these efforts but might sustain a long term injury affecting the team's balance and that individual's career. Ofcourse each and every run saved matters but not more than a player.

— Monik! 🎑 (@Monik_K7) April 2, 2023