It’s certainly not up to me – Kane Williamson on finding a new team in IPL

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has shared his views on going under the hammer in the upcoming IPL 2023 mini-auction. Williamson was recently released by Sunrisers Hyderabad before the retention deadline.

The talisman has the experience of leading in the IPL and he will surely attract some bidders. However, Williamson’s strike rate has always put a question mark on his selection in the T20 format.

Williamson has scored 2101 runs in 76 IPL matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 126.03. The 32-year-old had also led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final of IPL 2018 but the Orange Army could not cross the last hurdle against Chennai Super Kings.

Speaking ahead of the ODI series against India, Williamson said, “In terms of the auction. You know I’ll have to wait and see. It’s certainly not up to me. People make decisions about their team and what they are after. That’s the nature of how it works.”

The New Zealand skipper added that he likes playing all three formats of the game.

“I still love playing all three formats. I enjoy switching between the three. As a player, I’m always looking to keep improving. I still have that motivation. It was a bit frustrating, the other night. That’s the way it goes sometimes. I’m still looking at the areas where I can add value.”

Meanwhile, Martin Guptill has been released from the New Zealand central contract. Williamson rated Guptill as one of New Zealand’s best white-ball players.

“He’s made a decision to explore a few other options, but as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he’s added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.

“Even in the T20 World Cup, without getting a playing opportunity, he was outstanding at offering help to all the players in the group. He’s been fantastic in so many areas of the environment.”