New Zealand's regular captain Kane Williamson made his return to the national squad recently for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 starting next month in India. He suffered an ACL injury during the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) that subsequently ruled him out of contention for as many as six months. However, Williamson is part of the 15-member Kiwi squad for the 50-overs mega event and is targetting to be completely match fit. 

I'm still being very focused on the rehab day-to-day says Kane Williamson

Incidentally, Kane Williamson played his last international fixture for New Zealand against Sri Lanka earlier this year during the Test series at home. In a recent interview, the 33-year-old opened up on his daily routine during rehabilitation from an ACL injury. He stated that he is quite eager to return into action as soon as possible. 

"It would be great. Naturally, you want to be back playing when you are fit and ready, sooner rather than later. You hope that ends up being around that World Cup time, but I'm still being very focused on the rehab day-to-day and not wanting those targets to stretch it to a point where you take a backward step," New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.  

"For running, it's not quite 100 per cent, but making good progress," he added. 

Kane Williamson is not part of the New Zealand squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. In his absence, right-arm fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is captaining the national team for the first time. Recently, New Zealand coach Gary Stead also expressed his delight on Williamson being named in the World Cup squad. 

"Naturally, it isn't ideal, but I didn't get too much of a say in it. It's the only option I have in front of me and the prospect of playing another World Cup is really, really exciting. It's something you always want to be a part of but I didn't want that to dictate my rehab. At the same time, having a carrot at the back of your mind is helpful," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead during a recent interview. 

There is still no clarity on the availability of senior pacer Tim Southee for the upcoming World Cup 2023 in India. He recently underwent a surgery on his fractured thumb and is unlikely to be fit for the mega event. New Zealand will be playing the first match of the Cricket World Cup 2023 against England starting on 5 October at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.