Kane Williamson Excluded from 2nd Test Against India

Pune: Senior New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will miss the second Test against India due to incomplete rehabilitation from a groin strain, as announced by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday. The Blackcaps currently lead the three-match series 1-0, having secured an eight-wicket victory in the first Test in Bengaluru.
Williamson, who has yet to join the team, sustained the injury during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead confirmed that while Williamson has shown significant progress, he is not yet fit enough to play.
“We’re monitoring Kane, and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100 percent fit,” Stead stated. “We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test.”
The third Test is set to take place in Mumbai starting November 1. The team will continue to take a cautious approach regarding Williamson’s fitness, allowing him as much time as necessary for recovery.