The defending champions Gujarat Titans have been dealt a massive blow in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Kane Williamson is likely to be ruled out of the tournament, after he picked up a knee injury against the Chennai Super Kings during the season opener on Friday, March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Kiwi batter got injured following a nasty fall in the first innings of the match. In the thirteenth over of the innings, Kane Williamson tried to stop a six near the boundary ropes. However, he landed on the ground awkwardly and hurt his right knee. The physio attended to the batter and later took him out of the field.
The 32-year-old was taken for scans by the Gujarat Titans medical team. He did not come out to bat in the second innings and was substituted by Sai Sudarshan, who became the first Impact Player for the franchise. According to reports, Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the 2023 Indian Premier League, because of the injury. However, an official confirmation is awaited.
Big blow to Gujarat Titans as Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the IPL 2023 due to the knee injury #Breaking @sports_tak
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 1, 2023
Gujarat Titans register a brilliant win in IPL 2023 season opener
Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill put up a great batting show in the first match against Chennai Super Kings. He smashed 63 runs off 36 deliveries, with six boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 175. The hosts were in a spot of trouble after his dismissal, but Rashid Khan’s cameo ensured them home. Rashid won the player of the match for taking two wickets and his three-ball 10 runs knock.
Earlier in the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad fell short of a much-deserved century. He scored 92 runs off 50 deliveries and slammed four boundaries and nine sixes. Chennai Super Kings reached 178 runs on the back of his knock. The hosts chased it down with five wickets to spare to kick off the 2023 Indian Premier League season.
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