Ken Williamson is all set to lead New Zealand against India in the semi-finals at Wankhede Stadium on November 15, but this journey has been a challenging one for the Kiwi captain.
During a match for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 31, Ken Williamson suffered a knee injury while attempting a six. The Kiwi star was ruled out of the tournament, and the seriousness of his injury raised serious questions about his participation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Williamson returned home, and he had to undergo surgery for the ACL injury. Until August, he hadn’t started throwing down, and the dream of playing in the World Cup seemed distant.
On September 11, when the team announcement was made, Ken Williamson was appointed captain of New Zealand. He was part of the practice matches and returned with a half-century against Bangladesh after not playing as an opener against England.
It was almost a perfect comeback until a throw hit his thumb, missing the non-striker’s end by inches. Scans revealed a fracture in the thumb, and the 33-year-old player would only be available for the league stage matches.
On the eve of the semifinal, where he will lead New Zealand against India, Williamson reflected on his journey, calling it ‘interesting.’
Williamson said, “Certainly an interesting journey. From not getting a chance initially to coming close and then really feeling grateful for being here, then going back and getting surgery for the broken ACL, and to be sitting here now with a broken thumb, I really feel grateful for it all.”
“It has been quite disheartening and challenging, but I still felt that it hasn’t put me out, so I am grateful for that, and perhaps being fitter now than I was sitting here yesterday is a good thing.”
“So, personally, being here is great, and being part of this tournament is great. These tournaments are special, and being associated with a World Cup in India certainly adds to it.”
During Williamson’s prolonged absence in the tournament, young talent Rachin Ravindra emerged as an extraordinary performer. The 23-year-old player made the most of the opportunities given to him, finishing third in the list of leading run-scorers in the group stage with 565 runs in nine matches, including three centuries.
His total runs in the tournament are the highest by any player under 25 since Sachin Tendulkar in 1996, breaking a long-standing record.
Williamson’s captaincy, along with Rachin’s batting prowess, has impressed everyone.
Williamson said, “It’s been quite remarkable, to come out on a grand stage in a role that perhaps wasn’t natural in our environment.”
“He did to some extent at a domestic level, but what he has done on this stage so far, putting his foot down with strong performances and making a mark in the team, is truly special, and, as we’ve all seen, he is an incredibly special and talented player and a fantastic person in the environment.”
“It’s not just about the runs he has scored so far, but also how he has done it and how he has been prepared to take the team forward. So far, at such a young age, it’s been a fantastic contribution, and I’m sure there’s a lot more to see from him in the future.”
Wankhede on November 15 will turn blue in support of the host India, which has won all nine games in the group stage and is brimming with confidence. When asked about the team’s apprehension before such a significant opportunity in support of India, Williamson said the Kiwi team is ready to accept this unique challenge.
Williamson concluded, “I’m sure it’ll be a good one tomorrow. Yes, people have experiences at different levels, but for me, it’s about embracing it. Not many people get this opportunity; playing cricket in India, playing a World Cup semi-final against India is special, and it’s something to commend and look forward to.”
