‘It’s a big blow for him, and it’s a big blow for us’ - New Zealand head coach Gary Stead opens up on Kane Williamson’s injury

In the opening game of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, Kane Williamson suffered a horrific injury that has ruled him out of the ongoing season. Notably, in an attempt to catch the ball near the boundary, the 32-year-old jumped and eventually grabbed the ball but as soon as he realised that he is going to cross the boundary, he threw it back and saved a few runs. In the process, the Kiwi cricketer landed terribly to hurt his right knee, however he ended up saving two crucial runs for the home team.

He couldn’t get up even after receiving medical help and the support staff had to carry him out of the ground. Following which, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has stated that it is a big blow for the cricketer and also for the national team.

“Our first thoughts are obviously with him. We're not sure at this stage of the severity of the injury. It’s not nice to see anyone, let alone your captain of your white-ball teams, being injured. It’s a big blow for him, and it’s a big blow for us,” Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

Meanwhile, his national teammate Daryl Mitchell expects his skipper to return sooner than later. “I'm sure he'll be back sooner rather than later and just as a mate, I know we'll get around him over the next little bit,” said the 31-year-old.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans are yet to announce Kane Williamson’s replacement. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently stated that the defending champions should consider Steve Smith in his place as both cricketers play a similar brand of cricket.

“I think that would be a brilliant call, and Steve Smith is the kind of player they want, somebody who can play all kinds of gears. Plus with the new rules, I’d love to see Smith’s captaincy, we saw that and we were raving about it in the India-Australia series,” Manjrekar said as quoted by News18.