Kane Williamson of Gujarat Titans will not be participating in IPL 2023 due to a right knee injury that he encountered during the tournament’s opening game against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad. Unfortunately, this injury sustained during the match against Chennai Super Kings forced him to miss the rest of the season. Williamson was making his debut for the Titans when he fell awkwardly while trying to catch a ball at the deep square leg boundary in the 13th over of the game. Despite receiving treatment, he could not continue playing and has been ruled out of the tournament.
Although suffered a major setback, Gujarat Titans managed to secure a victory over Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday, 31st March. In the IPL auction, Kane Williamson was purchased by Gujarat Titans for Rs. 2 crores at the base price. However, his knee injury has caused the New Zealand team management concern about his ability to play throughout the entire season.
Vikram Solanki, the director of cricket for the Titans, conveyed his disappointment at losing Williamson so early in the tournament and wished him a speedy recovery. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Williamson will return home next week for additional assessment and to create a treatment plan with relevant medical professionals.
Williamson had been struggling with an elbow injury for the last two years, which had recently recovered. Gary Stead, the New Zealand coach, called the injury a significant setback for both Williamson and the team, and it is uncertain how long he will be out of action. Williamson will miss New Zealand’s upcoming T20Is against Sri Lanka and their tour of Pakistan because he participated in the IPL.
The discussion about finding a replacement for Williamson in the Titans team has commenced, and a name stands out amongst all, Steve Smith. The new player is anticipated to join the team soon and will be available for their upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9.
Sussex Head Coach announced to use of Jofra Archer’s spells after the IPL 2023 in the first Ashes Test in June 2023
Mumbai Indian’s fast bowler, Jofra Archer, will meet the ground of Edgbaston with a red ball for the first time after IPL 2023 session. The 27-year-old spell master has signed a contract to play for Mumbai, culminating within May 2023 if Mumbai reaches the final.
The Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace is optimistic about the performance of Jofra in international and league crickets. Moreover, his IPL performance over the last couple of years makes the coach hopeful of dealing with the red ball. “I think all things being equal, he will go straight into the Ashes off the back of the IPL,” said Paul.
It’s the first time Queens Land, England, will face the Australian team in the Ashes test in Edgbaston starting June 16. Therefore, the England team is retaining the hope from the young chap of the team seeing his 42 taken wickets in 13 tests for England. However, Jofra played the last drastic match against Kent for Sussex in May 2021.
The IPL 2023 is like a preliminary test for Jofra to fix his name in the first XI for the Ashes Test. Most people have recommended Jofra and suggest him play at least two four-day matches before participating in the Ashes test.
However, the optimist head coach of Sussex replied, “That’s the nature of international franchise cricket these days. I know there’ll be a lot of people saying, ‘he should play at least two four-day games to be ready for a Test match’, but the preparation and the work that the medical teams do around these players is exceptional.” Now time will say how the 27-year-old chap will satisfy Paul with his magnificent spell. Therefore, watching IPL 2023 to witness Jofra Archer’s spells is high time.
