Kane Williamson targets ODI World Cup return after ruptured ACL

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is aiming to make a return after a six-month hiatus in the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup in India. The Kiwis will kick start their campaign against England on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

He tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee during the opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. The 33-year-old has undergone knee surgery and intense rehab in order to make a speedy recovery.

"It would be great. Naturally, you want to be back playing when you are fit and ready, sooner rather than later. You hope that ends up being around that World Cup time, but I'm still being very focused on the rehab day-to-day and not wanting those targets to stretch it to a point where you take a backward step," Williamson was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. 

The 33-year-old, who has already restarted batting in the nets, added, "For running, it's not quite 100 per cent, but making good progress."

Gary Stead, Black Caps coach, stated that there was no fixed date for when Williamson would return to play the game. However, he expressed his happiness seeing the progress the captain is making. 

"It's been really pleasing to see the progress and keep taking those little steps forward," Stead said.

Stead further stated that he is not concerned about the performances of New Zealand during their tours of England and Bangladesh.

"Naturally, it isn't ideal, but I didn't get too much of a say in it. It's the only option I have in front of me and the prospect of playing another World Cup is really, really exciting. It's something you always want to be a part of but I didn't want that to dictate my rehab. At the same time, having a carrot at the back of your mind is helpful," he added.