Kane Williamson has shocked the cricket world by announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket. On Friday, June 12, the former New Zealand captain has brought an end to his glittering 16-year career that made him one of the world’s greatest-ever players.
Williamson is known for his exceptional sportsmanship and a low-profile lifestyle. So, as expected, there was no farewell match or emotional goodbye for one of the modern era’s greats. The 35-year-old called time on his international career in the middle of New Zealand’s ongoing Test tour of England.
No Farewell, No Drama! Kane Williamson calls time on his legendary international career
Kane Williamson’s surprising move came after New Zealand’s recent heavy defeat against England in the three-match Test series opener at Lord’s, leaving the entire cricket world completely off guard. He was one of the biggest pillars of New Zealand cricket and one of the most loved cricketers around the world.
The former New Zealand captain’s batting, leadership, and humble nature earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans across the world. His retirement is the end of a memorable era for New Zealand cricket. In his last game for New Zealand, Kane scored 0 and 18 runs at Lord’s. After his retirement, David Warner pens emotional tribute to Kane Williamson.
Kane Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on social media, “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. Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.”
Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson’s friendship is pure gold
In this article, we bring some interesting comparisons between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson since both legends have now retired from the traditional format of the game. They have been two of the biggest modern-era superstars and are part of this generation’s famous “Fab Four.”
Kohli is known for his aggressive batting, fearless attitude, and incredible records across formats, especially in white-ball cricket. On the other hand, Williamson is admired for his calm nature, solid technique, and ability to play long and patient innings, especially in Test cricket.
Virat and Kane share a very special friendship. 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 a mutual understanding of each other beyond cricket.
Their friendship started back in 2008 when they led their teams in the Under-19 World Cup. As the years passed, both became cricket superstars, but their bond only became stronger. They discuss books, spirituality, life, and different ideas about the world, and even they often share interesting videos and recommendations with each other. Virat called Kane is one of his closest friends, while the New Zealander said their friendship is much bigger than the game itself.
Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson Test Numbers
Now, speaking about their Test journeys, both Kohli and Williamson were among the most successful captains and batters 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 hit 33 centuries and 38 half-centuries, with his highest score being 251 after making his debut against India. He was also the fastest and youngest player to score Test centuries against all major Test-playing nations. The 35-year-old was also a highly successful captain.
Virat Kohli’s Test career is one of the greatest chapters in Indian cricket history. During his 14-year-long journey, the dashing 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 smashed 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries, and seven double centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019. However, Virat Kohli is set to play key role in India’s ICC World Cup 2027 dream.
Captaincy Comparison
Kane Williamson led New Zealand in 40 Test matches and guided the team to 22 wins, 10 losses, and 8 draws. Between 2016 and 2022, Kane took New Zealand to the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings and won the first-ever ICC World Test Championship in 2021 after beating India in the final.
He led New Zealand in 40 Test matches and guided the team to 22 wins, 10 losses, and 8 draws. Between 2016 and 2022, Kane took New Zealand to the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings and won the first-ever ICC World Test Championship in 2021 after beating India in the final.
As skipper, the right-handed batter scored 3,331 runs at an average of 57.43, including 11 centuries and 14 fifties. His career-best score of 251 against the West Indies in 2020 also came when he was captain.
As captain, Virat Kohli completely transformed 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 their history. As Test captain, the right-hander scored 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80, including 20 centuries, 18 fifties, and seven double hundreds to his name.
One of his biggest achievements came in 2018-19, when India created history by beating Australia 2-1 in Australia. It 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 straight years from 2016 to 2021, retained the ICC Test Championship mace three times, and took the WTC Final in 2021.
Big Test Achievements
Virat Kohli’s seven double centuries as Test captain remain a world record. He also became the fifth-fastest batter in Test history to reach 7,000 runs, getting there in just 138 innings. He was India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, behind only 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. It was New Zealand’s first away Test series victory 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 also the second-most successful Test captain in New Zealand history, behind only Stephen Fleming.