New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is a doubt for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 due to his knee injury. Williamson has been struggling with a knee injury since April 2023, and it is unclear when he will be able to return to full fitness.
If Williamson is unable to play in the World Cup 2023, New Zealand will need to find a replacement captain and batsman. Williamson is one of the best batsmen in the world, and he is also a great leader. It will be difficult for New Zealand to replace him, but there are a few players who could fill his spot in the squad.
Here are some of the players who could replace Kane Williamson in the New Zealand ODI squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup:
- Devon Conway: Devon Conway is the most likely candidate to replace Williamson as captain and batsman. Conway is a young and talented batsman who has been in excellent form in recent months. He has scored three centuries in his last five ODI matches, and he is currently averaging over 50 in ODI cricket. Conway is also a good fielder, and he could bat at No. 3 or No. 4 in the New Zealand order. However, he is still relatively inexperienced in ODI cricket.
- Martin Guptill: Martin Guptill is another experienced player who could replace Williamson. Guptill is a veteran batsman who has a proven track record in ODI cricket. He is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup history, and he has scored 18 centuries in ODI cricket. Guptill is also a good fielder, and he could open the batting for New Zealand alongside Finn Allen or Will Young. Also, he is a good leader.
- Mark Chapman: Chapman is a versatile batsman who can bat anywhere in the order. He is also a left-hander, which would give New Zealand some balance in their batting lineup. Mark Chapman is a wildcard option. Chapman has not played much ODI cricket in recent years, but he has been in good form in domestic cricket.
Who replaces Kane Williamson in New Zealand’s 2023 Cricket World Cup ODI squad?
Ultimately, the decision of who to replace Williamson will be made by the New Zealand selectors. They will need to weigh up all of the factors involved and make the decision that they believe is best for the team.
