The Blackcaps' World Cup bid received an enormous boost on Tuesday, with confirmation that Kane Williamson will take part in the upcoming one-day international World Cup.
After suffering a serious knee injury in the opening match of the IPL back in March, the widespread belief was that their talismanic captain wouldn't be available for October's tournament - including Williamson himself.
"When it first happened and I learnt more about it, I thought that it wouldn't be on the cards," Williamson admitted, recalling the moment he discovered he'd torn his ACL.
But despite being named in the 15-man squad for India, he's still unsure exactly when he'll be able to take part.
After months of dedicated rehabilitation, recovery and rejuvenation, Williamson has been given the tick of approval by medical staff to return, albeit on an incremental basis.
One big question remains - at what stage of the tournament could he be expected to return?
The Blackcaps play their first match against England in Ahemdabad on October 5, with their final round-robin game (against Sri Lanka) scheduled for November 9.
The 33-year-old admits he still has goals to meet and isn't sure if he'll be ready in time for the opener against the English.
"That's really difficult to answer," Williamson stated.
"The next month is really key as to what that looks like for being fit and ready as soon as possible. I'd be able to give you a better answer over the next three weeks.
"It'd be great ... I hope that [playing the first game] could be a possibility."
Either way, Williamson's recovery from an injury that typically requires up to 12 months to fully heal has been startling.
"It's been really motivating to be working in the gym and seeing those little rewards. It's been a really interesting journey."
And after coming up agonisingly short against the hosts in the final in England back at the 2019 edition, he's now in a position avenge that heartbreak in what will be his fourth World Cup appearance.
"Through this entire process I have tried to keep an open mind on when I might be able to return to cricket and not get too focused on one date or match," said Williamson.
"Being selected doesn't change that and I know there's still work to do and day by day goals to tick off to get back on the field with the team."
The rest of coach Gary Stead's World Cup squad will be named on Monday.
