Kane Williamson suffered a right knee ACL tear during IPL 2023’s opening night, and the injury may sideline him past the upcoming ODI World Cup. As New Zealand’s highest scorer in the last two World Cups, his absence will be sorely felt. In 2019, he was the Player of the Tournament with an impressive average of 82.57 and 578 runs.
With Kane Williamson’s unfortunate injury sidelining him for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill his shoes. Williamson’s remarkable performances in the previous two World Cups have made him a key player for the team, and finding a capable replacement is crucial for New Zealand’s success in the tournament. Here are three potential players who could step up and take on the responsibility of being the team’s mainstay in Williamson’s absence.
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1. Mark Chapman
Chapman’s recent unbeaten hundred in the fifth T20I against Pakistan has put him in contention for the World Cup. Although not a like-for-like replacement for Williamson, his left-handed batting and experience in Asian conditions make him a valuable option. With impressive returns in eight ODIs, including two centuries at No.4 for Hong Kong and New Zealand, he could be a fitting replacement for Williamson.
2. Martin Guptill
New Zealand can consider Guptill, their experienced opener, as a potential replacement for Williamson in the World Cup. Despite being released from his central contract, Guptill remains available for the Blackcaps. With his impressive ODI World Cup record and familiarity with Indian conditions, he brings valuable experience to the team. In this scenario, Devon Conway could drop to No.3, partnering with either Finn Allen or Will Young, while utilizing his adaptability and spin-playing skills to anchor the innings.
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3. Will Young
Young has made an impressive start to his ODI career, averaging 54.8 and striking at 91.4 in just 11 innings with two fifties and two hundreds. He is well-suited for the No.3 position, which was previously held by Williamson. In the ongoing five-match ODI series in Pakistan, Young has been assigned the opening slot and has adapted effectively, scoring a vital 86 in the first ODI.