Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson has confirmed a broken thumb suffered in a batting mishap during his team's World Cup victory over Bangladesh.
NZ coach Gary Stead hopes to have his master batter available again later in the tournament, despite an undisplaced fracture in his left hand, inflicted by a throw from the outfield, as he ran between wickets at Chennai.
Williamson received treatment and lasted one more ball, before retiring hurt for 73 in an eight-wicket victory - their third to open the World Cup campaign.
The skipper was making his official return from knee surgery, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Indian Premier League in March.
"Firstly, we're all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury," said Stead.
"While it's disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the poolplay, following a period of rest and rehabilitation.
"Kane is clearly a massive part of our side, and a world class player and captain, so we'll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament."
New Zealand have summoned Tom Blundell to India as cover, but have not named him as a replacement, as they continue to hold hope for Williamson's return.
"Tom's been with the one-day side on tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh, and performed well,” said Stead.
"He covers multiple positions in the batting order and his wicketkeeping skills are also an added bonus as a back-up."
The Blackcaps are used to winning without Williamson, after comprehensive victories over world champions England and the Netherlands to open the World Cup schedule. In his absence, Rachin Ravindra has emerged as a capable replacement higher up the batting order.
New Zealand face six more pool games, with semif-finals scheduled for November 15-16.
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