Indian Premier League 2018 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson’s participation in the early phase of the upcoming league is in jeopardy. The New Zealand captain had suffered a shoulder injury in the second Test match against Bangladesh. Thus, his participation in the third Test match is under dark clouds.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is a pivotal cog in the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s wheel. The stylish batsman was the leading run-getter in the previous season of the league. Thus, he was instrumental in getting his team to the final of the tourney in which they were defeated by Chennai Super Kings. Williamson had scored 735 runs in the 17 matches of the season as he had scored eight fifties in the tournament.
Williamson was at best in the previous season.
On the other hand, Williamson had scored 74 before he was taken to hospital for precautionary scans. An MRI scan has revealed the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Gary Stead has confirmed that they will be cautious to pick Williamson for the third Test.
“Kane [Williamson] is obviously keen to play this final game, but we’ll look to take a safety-first approach, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon,” Stead said. “BJ [Watling] has a minor left hamstring strain and we felt it was best he didn’t keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the third Test.”
New Zealand is yet to announce the replacement for Kane Williamson. Meanwhile, Stead has confirmed that Will Young can make his debut for the Kiwis, in place of their skipper.
“Will [Young] has been in our Test squad as batting cover for the past two series and he should be confident following some strong performances domestically and for New Zealand A,” Stead said.
Kane Williamson had done a great job in leading Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous season. Williamson is one of the best batsmen in the world and the Hyderabad think tank will want their leader to be back into the team.
If the injury gets serious, the flamboyant batsman can go on to miss the early phase of the IPL, which will be a big blow for the side. On the other hand, SRH former skipper David Warner will return back to the franchise.