Blackcaps white-ball captain Kane Williamson has touched down back in New Zealand, after injury curtailed his Indian Premier League campaign.
Williamson injured his knee attempting to make a spectacular catch on the boundary, during his debut for new IPL side Gujarat Titans. The team later confirmed he'd play no further part in their season, which runs until the end of May.
With his World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, the master batter will consult specialists in New Zealand to determine the severity of the injury and a recovery timeframe, both of which remain shrouded by mystery.
On crutches and sporting a heavy-duty knee brace, Williamson, 32, was in good spirits, as he left Auckland International Airport.
"It's not too painful at the moment," he told Newshub.
Williamson is a key component of the Blackcaps' World Cup cause, and coach Gary Stead and his fellow selectors will be sweating on the results of his testing. NZ Cricket hopes to have more details later on Tuesday.
The World Cup will be held in India, starting on October 5.
Judging by Williamson's reaction in the moment - clutching immediately for his knee in clear agony - he faces a lengthy period of rehabiliation.
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