Williamson, who stepped down as New Zealand’s captain in June this year and also declined a central contract for the 2024-25 season was not be in action during the first Test against India in Bengaluru. He will also skip the second Test, starting in Pune from October 24.

The 34-year-old is New Zealand’s leading run-scorer, with 8,881 runs in 102 matches at an average of 54.48, scoring 32 hundreds, the last of which came against a second-string South Africa side in February.

Why will Williamson miss the second India Test?

Williamson is recovering from a groin strain he suffered during the second Test against Sri Lanka last month. The strain required an extended rehabilitation period and prevented his departure to India with the rest of the squad.

READ: India vs New Zealand: Full team lists and squads

The Black Caps selector Sam Wells remained hopeful ahead of the series that Williamson would be able to play the last two games. “The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour.”

On Tuesday (October 22), head coach Gary Stead provided an update on him: "We're monitoring Kane, and he's making progress, but he's not yet 100% fit. We’re hopeful for further improvement in the coming days and for him to be available for the third Test. We’ll give him as much time as possible to get ready, but we will continue to take a cautious approach."

In his absence, Will Young replaced Willaimson in the XI in the first India Test, scoring 33 and 48*.

Williamson’s long list of injuries

Williamson’s latest injury follows a long line of fitness setbacks of late. Having been troubled by a nagging elbow injury, Williamson hurt his right knee during the first game of the IPL last year, ruling him out for seven months. He returned in the ODI World Cup but was forced out with a fractured thumb, after injuring himself in his very first game on comeback.

In January this year, Williamson suffered a hamstring injury, which forced him out of the remainder of the Pakistan T20I series.

Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.