New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is set to miss the one-day World Cup in India later this year after sustaining a knee injury.

New Zealand Cricket reports that the star batsman requires surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while fielding for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

Gary Stead, coach of the Black Caps, stated that it was “unlikely” that the 32-year-old would be ready to play in the October-beginning ODI World Cup.

The absence of Williamson would be devastating for the Black Caps, who have never won the World Cup but have finished second in the previous two tournaments.

“Naturally it’s disappointing to get such an injury, but my focus now is on having the surgery and starting rehab,” Williamson said in a statement.

“It’s going to take some time but I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Last Friday, while attempting a catch in the IPL’s opening match, Williamson injured his knee and was helped off the pitch by two physiotherapists.

The New Zealander is one of the best batsmen in cricket.

Williamson was named the tournament’s most valuable player after playing a pivotal role in the team’s advancement to the 2019 World Cup final.

New Zealand fell agonisingly short, losing to England in a nail-biting Super Over on a boundary countback following a final tie.

Williamson resigned as New Zealand’s Test captain in December, but he continues to lead the One-Day International and Twenty20 squads.

Photo by EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER