Explained: Why Kane Williamson Is Not Playing The First Test Between India and New Zealand

India will begin their last home series of both the calendar year and the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) today (October 16) as they host New Zealand in the first of a three-match Test series against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but the series opener is devoid of star power with Kane Williamson absent. The former New Zealand captain picked up a groin strain during New Zealand's defeat to Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle last month and has not recovered in time to play the first Test. The 34-year-old is expected to join the team later in the series. "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. "While it's obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series," said New Zealand selector Sam Wells last week.

When Will Kane Williamson Return? While New Zealand did claim Williamson will join the squad in India, there is no definitive timeline, and it remains to be seen if he can be fit for the second Test in Pune, which is scheduled to start on October 24. The third and final test is scheduled to take place on November 1 in Mumbai. Williamson shares a special relationship with India, as he made his Test debut in 2010 at Ahmedabad. However, he has a modest record in India with just 503 runs in eight Tests at an average of 33.53 with just one century. Squads India: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham(c), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell(w), Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke