Value our friendship and shared perspectives: Kohli on Williamson’s retirement

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli and ICC Chairman Jay Shah led cricket fraternity tributes to New Zealand's Kane Williamson after he announced his international retirement, concluding a historic 16-year career as the Black Caps' highest run-scorer

Mumbai: Ace India cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday paid tribute to Kane Williamson following the New Zealand batting great’s retirement from international cricket, saying he cherished their friendship and that it was time for the charismatic batter to celebrate the rewards of a lifetime devoted to the game.

Arguably New Zealand’s greatest ever batter, Williamson’s announcement pulls the curtain down on a glorious 16-year international career that has seen him play 378 games for his country, setting countless batting records and earning the respect and admiration of the cricketing world.

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His decision follows an earlier call to step way from T20 Internationals in 2025.

Kohli and Williamson’s friendship dates back to the 2008 Under-19 World Cup.

Since then, the two batting greats have faced each other across formats for their respective countries and in the IPL, where Kohli has been a long-time mainstay of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Williamson represented Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.

“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,” wrote Kohli on ‘X’ following Williamson’s decision to hang up his cricketing shoes.

“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,” Kohli added.

Under Williamson’s leadership, the Black Caps made two ICC World Cup Finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. His personal accolades include being named the ICC Cricketer of Year for 2015 and the Test player of the Year for 2019.

ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed Williamson’s humility and leadership qualities, and wished the former New Zealand captain success in his future endeavours.

“Congratulations to Kane Williamson on an exceptional international career built on class, humility, and outstanding leadership. Your achievements as the ICC Men’s @CricketWorldCup 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 on ‘X’.

The 35-year-old Williamson finished as New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer across all formats with 19,346 runs, including over 9500 runs in Test cricket with 33 centuries and six double tons. Across formats, he slammed 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

“Wishing you continued success and fulfilment in all your future endeavours,” Shah added.