&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Virat Kohli pens emotional note for Kane Williamson, says 'Wishing you nothing but the best always brother'")
Star India batter Virat Kohli congratulated New Zealand legend Kane Williamson on his retirement from international cricket, which he announced on Friday (Jun 12). Bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 16-year international career, Williamson leaves the game as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer across all formats. The 35-year-old amassed 19,346 international runs, including 48 centuries and six double centuries, earning widespread respect for his consistency, composure and exceptional leadership.
Kohli, who has long shared a close friendship with Williamson, took to X to pay tribute to the retiring Kiwi great.
“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. 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 wrote on X.
Williamson’s tenure as captain marked one of the most successful eras in New Zealand cricket and under his leadership, the Black Caps reached two ICC World Cup finals, three World Cup semi-finals and secured the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title in 2021. Individually, he was recognised as the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2015 and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2019.
Currently touring England for an ongoing Test series, Williamson endured a difficult outing in the opening match, which New Zealand lost by 115 runs. He managed scores of 0 and 18 in the contest.
Speaking about his decision, Williamson said he had been thinking on retirement for some time before concluding that this moment was right.
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time. I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand," Williamson said in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms," he added.
Trending Stories
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Woman used AI to tell court what happened the night her ex-boyfriend 'raped' her. It was a bad idea
)
'First dumb AI': Meta AI blocks Indian PM Modi's video in his own country, allows abuse ads and deletes livelihoods without explanation
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
)
Sadie Sink's leaked Spider-Man: Brand New Day clip fuels fresh Jean Grey speculation
)
RSS backed Jantar Mantar student protest? Mohan Bhagwat's 'question authority' remark resurfaces
)
ChatGPT invoked God, told pastor not to worry about his symptoms. Then pulmonary embolism hit
)
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP for felicitating Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament, accuses Modi government of 'celebrating ruined futures'
)
'Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the US': Iran deputy speaker echoes Araghchi’s remark
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
'Spreading deepfakes, deleted PM Modi's video': Why Meta AI should be banned in India for interfering in Indian economy and democracy
)
You are a 'Naked Official' in China if you hold high posts and have children or spouse abroad. What about India?
)
Delhi Police issues BIG statement on viral 'don't leave national capital without permission' notice | FACT CHECK
)
Earthquake of magnitude 7.1 strikes Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, tsunami warning issued
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
China deploying advanced fighter jets closer to India's northern frontier
)
Who will benefit from Kapil Sibal's ₹1 crore legal aid fund for NEET protesters? This is what we know
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
Why did Meta remove PM Modi's Facebook video on paper leaks? Tech company blames 'technical error'
)
Asim Munir eyes defence deal with Qatar & Turkiye after Kuwait as Pakistan seeks investments | Gravitas
)
'Worst quality AI in market': Meta AI's moderation fail hits PM Modi and Indian Democracy
)
‘Kill Melania, Barron’: Why is IRGC-linked media outlet urging ‘freedom fighters’ to assassinate Trump’s family? WATCH
)
'Broader struggle for democracy...': Greta Thunberg joins Indian students protest in London - What she said
)
Russia-Ukraine War: Russia drops 3-tonne Glide bombs on Ukraine
)
NEET aspirant ends her life in Maharashtra after falling 11 marks short of cut-off
)
FAA orders fix for faulty seats on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets, warns of passenger injury in emergency landings
)
3,000 years ago, humanity spoke thousands of languages — then fell silent. Where did they all go?
)
Tom Cruise's daughter Suri drops his surname; adopts Katie Holmes' middle name Noelle
)
Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Ojani Noa claims he confronted Sean 'Diddy' Combs over alleged affair
