NEW DELHI: Star New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson was on Sunday ruled out of the rest of the Indian Premier League season with a knee injury, in a major blow to defending champions the Gujarat Titans.

“It is sad to lose Kane to injury so early in the tournament. We wish him a speedy recovery, with the hope of seeing him in action very soon,” Gujarat director of cricket Vikram Solanki said.

“Williamson will now head home to New Zealand for further assessment. The Gujarat Titans will finalise a replacement for the right-handed batter and an announcement will be made in due course,” a statement added.

Williamson jarred his knee attempting a catch in the opening game of the current IPL on Friday between Gujarat and Chennai Super Kings in front of more than 100,000 fans in Ahmedabad.

Williamson landed awkwardly with his knee taking his body weight as he fell to the ground in the 13th over of the Chennai innings.

The 32-year-old New Zealand captain tried to get up but couldn’t, and had to be helped off the field by two physios.

“Preparations are now underway for him to return to New Zealand next week and be seen by relevant medical specialists to establish a treatment plan,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.