It's been a pleasure watching you bat': Kohli, Jay Shah hail Williamson's legacy after retirement
New Delhi, June 12
Former India captain Virat Kohli and ICC Chairman Jay Shah led tributes to New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson after the Black Caps stalwart announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished 16-year career.
Williamson, regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, called time on an international journey that saw him become New Zealand's highest run-scorer across formats with 19,346 runs in 378 matches, including 48 centuries and six double-hundreds.
Kohli, who shared one of modern cricket's most respected rivalries and friendships with Williamson, posted an emotional message on social media, reflecting on their bond beyond the cricket field.
"From an opponent to a friend over the years. It's been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years, but more than that, I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond," Kohli wrote on X.
"I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you nothing but the best always, brother. You've done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done, mate, life's only just begun," He added.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also congratulated Williamson on a career defined by excellence and leadership.
"Congratulations to Kane Williamson on an exceptional international career built on class, humility, and outstanding leadership. Your achievements as the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 Player of the Tournament and the captain of New Zealand's historic ICC World Test Championship 2021 triumph will remain etched in cricketing history," Shah wrote in a post on X.
"Wishing you continued success and fulfilment in all your future endeavours," The ICC chair added.
Williamson's retirement drew admiration from across the cricketing world, with former Australia opener David Warner also paying a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and rival.
"Kano, it's been an absolute privilege to play both alongside you and against you over the years. The runs, the records, and the achievements speak for themselves, but what has always stood out most to me is the person behind it all.
"You've been one of the genuine good blokes of world cricket - humble, respectful, and someone who played the game in the right spirit every single time you walked onto the field. Whether we were teammates or opponents, I always loved sharing the field with you because you brought out the best in everyone around you.
"Congratulations on an incredible career, mate. It's been an honour to call you a teammate, an opponent, and most importantly, a friend. Wishing you and the family all the best for whatever comes next," Warner wrote on Instagram.
The 35-year-old Williamson leaves the international game as one of New Zealand cricket's most influential figures. Apart from captaining the side to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title in 2021, he led the Black Caps to the final of the 2019 World Cup and was widely praised for his calm leadership and sportsmanship.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kane Williamson is one of those rare cricketers who makes you love the game even more. As an Indian fan, I've always admired how he handled pressure with such poise. His double centuries against us were frustrating but you couldn't help but appreciate the artistry. The cricket world will miss seeing him in the whites and blues. Truly the end of an era! 🏏
Honestly, I think Williamson doesn't get enough credit for what he's done. He was the glue that held NZ together for so long. Yes, Kohli and Warner's tributes are great, but the ICC should have done more to celebrate one of the game's true gentlemen while he was still playing. That said, what a career - 48 centuries and the WTC title is no joke. Well played, Kane!
One of the most underrated greats of our time. While Kohli, Smith, and Root grabbed headlines, Williamson quietly built a legacy of class and consistency. The way he led NZ in the 2019 WC - handling that tied final with such dignity - will always be remembered. Cricket needs more Kanes. Wishing him joy in whatever comes next! 🇮🇳🤝🇳🇿
As someone who grew up watching the 'Fab Four' of Kohli, Smith, Root, and Williamson, seeing him retire feels like the end of something special. His batting was poetry, but his character was even more admirable. The way he always spoke about India and Indian cricketers with such warmth made us feel connected to him. Safe travels, Kane!
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