Kane Williamson To Play ODI World Cup 2023? New Zealand Coach Gary Stead Gives Big Update On Injury

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead provided an update on Kane Williamson's injury, stating that the management is taking extra precautions to ensure the skipper's restoration.

Stead stated that management is attempting to strike a balance between pushing Williamson as far as possible while avoiding further damage. Williamson injured his knee while playing for the Gujarat Titans in the early stages of the IPL 2023.

"Obviously, with the knee and the way it is, we have to be careful with how that twists, so he's still in that healing and rehab phase, so it's getting that fine balance between pushing him as far as he can go but making sure we don't cross that line and cause more damage," Stead explained.

He went on to explain that Williamson is taking his recovery process week by week, and that they aren't letting expectations grow too high. Williamson had surgery in early April after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

"Once again, it's too early to tell." Kane is working on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis, and we've been very clear and careful with him that we don't look too far ahead and get expectations that are too great or too small at times," Stead added.

Williamson has progressed faster than expected, according to the Kiwi head coach. Despite the severity of his injury, Williamson has made significant progress. He attended the New Zealand team's training camp, despite the fact that he was not yet ready for international duty, and was observed hitting balls in the nets.

"He's progressed as we hoped and possibly even better in some cases, but you know how difficult ACL injuries can be," Stead said.

Williamson is racing against the clock to restore his form and fitness in time for the World Cup 2023 in India.