An excellent fielding effort by Gujarat Titan’s Kane Williamson at the boundary rope to save a six against Chennai Super Kings ended in agony as he landed awkwardly on his knee and had to be helped off the field in the 2023 IPL opener today (March 31).

The third ball of the 13th over, bowled by Josh Little to Ruturaj Gaikwad, was towards the mid-wicket boundary, where Williamson was stationed. The ball appeared set to clear the ropes but a stunning effort from Williamson saved two runs, as he jumped up in the air, caught the ball and threw it back in before his feet touched the ropes. The ball landed in the field of play but bounced onto the ropes, with a four eventually signalled. Williamson, on the other hand, was unable to balance himself and fell backwards on his right knee, immediately clutching his leg to signal the pain he was in.

He received aid from the support staff on the ground, with members of the Chennai Super Kings medical team assisting the New Zealand player onto his feet as well.

Williamson, who has been plagued by a recurring elbow injury in the recent past, was in visible pain as he walked off the field of play, with commentators worried about the extent of his injury.

“ I hope everything’s OK out there because initially, that was brilliant. Kane Williamson’s knee though is not in a good space. That is not a good look at all,” said Simon Doull.

I only pray that what I fear is wrong. It doesn't look good for Kane Williamson.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 31, 2023

Gujarat head coach Gary Kirsten gave an update on Williamson’s injury, saying, “You don’t like to see injuries like that from anyone in any team, so hopefully, he’s OK, but it certainly didn’t look good.”

Brilliant effort by kane Williamson 🔥🔥
Hope he is fine 🤞#IPLonJioCinema #IPL2023 #RuturajGaikwad #GTvCSK #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/ny0szhnqj1

— saifmd (@_saif_md_) March 31, 2023