Virat Kohli pays tribute to Kane Williamson as New Zealand legend retires from cricket

Kane Williamson put the New Zealand team first to the very end.

Despite being in mid-series in England, with one Test down and two to come, Williamson retired from all international cricket with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old scored 0 and 18 against England in the Test loss at Lord's last week and dropped himself out of the rest of the series which resumes next Wednesday at The Oval.

"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," he said.

The all-time great bows out as New Zealand's leading run-scorer in Tests, men's ODI World Cups and T20 World Cups and across all three formats since his debut in 2010.

He scored 19,346 runs including 48 centuries across the formats. In Tests, he produced 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, 33 centuries including on debut against India in Ahmedabad, plus six double centuries. His highest was 251 against the West Indies in 2020.

Williamson captained New Zealand in 206 of his 378 matches across the formats, and under his leadership the Black Caps enjoyed a golden period from 2016-24 when they won the inaugural World Test championship in 2021 and reached the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup.

"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," he said. 

"Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right.

"It's a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart. I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There's a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team."

Without a central contract since 2024, when he also gave up the captaincy, Williamson hadn't committed himself beyond the ongoing tour of England. 

He made himself available only series by series and remained contracted to English club Middlesex and the London Spirit, both based at Lord's.

A graceful and versatile batter with huge powers of concentration, the right-hander was considered among the four recent modern batting greats alongside India's Virat Kohli, Australia's Steve Smith and England's Joe Root.

Williamson's remarkable ability to play the ball late using soft hands and his sumptuous drives off the back foot were trademarks of his game.

An occasional spinner, he also took 30 Test wickets and 37 ODI wickets with his offbreaks.

Williamson was also an immensely respected player among opposing teams and known for his sense of fairness in defeat — such as when New Zealand lost the dramatic 2019 World Cup final to England in an all-time classic.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Williamson.

"Anyone who's had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person," Walter said. 

"His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it's what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket that will be his legacy. 

"Kane's always put the team first and although we're disappointed to see him go, we're happy to know he's content and at peace with his decision."

Indian legend Kohli paid tribute to Williamson on social media.

"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.

"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."

His replacement for the England series will be named in due course, the team said.

AP