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Kane Williamson has shocked the cricket world by announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket. On Friday, June 12, the former New Zealand captain brought an end to his illustrious 16-year career that made him one of the world’s greatest players.
Williamson is known for his exceptional sporting spirit and low-profile lifestyle. So, as expected, there was no farewell match or emotional goodbye for one of the great players of the modern era. The 35-year-old retired from his international career midway through New Zealand’s ongoing Test tour of England.
No farewell, no drama! Kane Williamson has said goodbye to his brilliant international career.
Kane Williamson’s surprise move came after New Zealand’s massive defeat against England in the opening match of the three-match Test series at Lord’s recently, leaving the entire cricket world completely shocked. He was one of the biggest pillars of New Zealand cricket and one of the most loved cricketers across the world.
The former New Zealand captain’s batting, leadership and humble nature earned him respect from teammates, opponents and fans around the world. His retirement marks the end of a memorable era for New Zealand cricket. In his last game for New Zealand, Kane scored 0 and 18 at Lord’s. After his retirement, David Warner paid an emotional tribute to Kane Williamson.
In a statement released on social media by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Kane Williamson said, “I have thought about it for some time, but over the past few days it has become clear that now is the right time. I have always felt a strong desire and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing that I have given my all in every match I have played for New Zealand. Anything less would not be right to continue, and I feel fortunate to step down on my own terms.”
Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson’s friendship is like pure gold
In this article, we come up with some interesting comparisons between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson as both the legends have now retired from the traditional format of the game. They have been two of the biggest superstars of the modern era and are part of the famous “Fab Four” of this generation.
Kohli is known for his aggressive batting, fearless attitude and incredible records across all formats, especially in white-ball cricket. Williamson, on the other hand, is admired for his calm nature, solid technique and ability to play long and patient innings, especially in Test cricket.
There is a very special friendship between Virat and Kane. While the former Indian captain is known for his passion and aggressive style, Kane Williamson is famous for his calm and humble nature. Despite their different personalities, Kohli and Williamson’s friendship is built on mutual respect, trust and mutual understanding of each other beyond cricket.
Their friendship began in 2008 when they led their teams in the Under-19 World Cup. As the years passed, both became cricket superstars, but their relationship grew stronger. They discuss books, spirituality, various ideas about life and the world and they even often share interesting videos and recommendations with each other. Virat described Kane as one of his closest friends, while the New Zealander said that their friendship is much bigger than sports.
virat kohli vs kane williamson test numbers
Now, talking about their Test journey, both Kohli and Williamson were among the most successful captains and batsmen in the traditional format of the game.
Kane Williamson played 110 Test matches and scored 9,515 runs at an excellent average of 54.1. He scored 33 centuries and 38 half-centuries on his debut against India, with his highest score being 251. He was also the fastest and youngest player to score a Test century against all major Test playing nations. The 35-year-old player was also a very successful captain.
Virat Kohli’s Test career is one of the greatest chapters in Indian cricket history. During his 14-year-long journey, the flamboyant right-hander changed the way India played Test cricket with his aggressive attitude, high fitness standards and fearless approach, especially in overseas conditions.
Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 after playing 123 matches and scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He scored 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries and seven double centuries, with his highest score being 254 not out against South Africa in 2019. However, Virat Kohli is set to play a key role in India’s ICC World Cup 2027 dream.
captaincy comparison
Kane Williamson led New Zealand in 40 Test matches and led the team to 22 wins, 10 losses and 8 draws. Between 2016 and 2022, Kane led New Zealand to the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings and won the ICC World Test Championship for the first time in 2021, defeating India in the final.
He led New Zealand in 40 Test matches and led the team to 22 wins, 10 losses and 8 draws. Between 2016 and 2022, Kane led New Zealand to the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings and won the ICC World Test Championship for the first time in 2021, defeating India in the final.
As captain, the right-handed batsman scored 3,331 runs at an average of 57.43, including 11 centuries and 14 fifties. His career-best score of 251 runs against West Indies in 2020 also came when he was the captain.
As captain, Virat Kohli completely changed the Indian team. He led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, losing 17 and drawing 11, making him the most successful Test captain in its history. As Test captain, the right-handed batsman scored 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80, including 20 centuries, 18 fifties and seven double centuries.
One of his biggest achievements came in 2018–19, when India created history by defeating Australia 2–1 in Australia. This was the first time an Asian team had won a Test series Down Under. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India remained the No. 1 team in the ICC Test rankings for five consecutive years from 2016 to 2021, retained the ICC Test Championship mace three times and won the WTC final in 2021.
major testing achievements
Virat Kohli’s seven double centuries as Test captain remains a world record. He became the fifth fastest batsman in Test history to reach 7,000 runs in just 138 innings. He was India’s fourth highest run-scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. His incredible performances also earned him the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award in 2018.
Kane Williamson created history by leading New Zealand to a memorable 2-1 Test series win over Pakistan in the UAE in 2018. This was New Zealand’s first Test series win over Pakistan in 49 years. He was named the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year in 2019. With 22 Test wins as captain, he is the second most successful Test captain in New Zealand history, behind only Stephen Fleming.
