Kane Williamson Reflects on the Unique Experience of the 'Fab Four' in Cricket

In a recent podcast, Kane Williamson reflected on the 'Fab Four' label that includes him, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. He shared insights about their unique journeys in cricket, the significance of their parallel careers, and the relationships formed over the years. Williamson emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual accolades, providing a glimpse into the camaraderie and competition that defined their era. Discover more about his thoughts on this iconic group of cricketers and their impact on the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 23:36 IST

Kane Williamson Discusses the 'Fab Four' Legacy

London [UK], November 10: Former captain of New Zealand, Kane Williamson, has shared his thoughts on the widely discussed 'Fab Four' label, which includes him alongside Virat Kohli from India, Australia's Steve Smith, and England's Joe Root. He described their concurrent careers and the years spent competing against one another as a "remarkably unique" journey.

Williamson concluded his international cricket career in June after 16 years, becoming New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer with a total of 19,346 runs, including 9,515 in Test matches. Kohli also stepped back from Test cricket in 2025, amassing 9,230 runs, while Smith (11,003) and Root (14,278) continue to excel in the longest format of the game.

In a recent episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast, Williamson mentioned that he never placed much significance on the 'Fab Four' label, despite its frequent mention throughout their careers. However, he now appreciates the special experience of sharing a generation with three other elite batters, each representing their countries.

"I never thought much about it, although it was often highlighted. Now that it's over, I see it as unique. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about having parallel careers and getting to know each other, each representing our respective nations. I reflect on it not with pride or the label, but as a moment in time where we competed for so long. I played with Rooty (Joe Root) at Yorkshire, and I’ve known Virat since our under-19 days, and Smudge... it’s just quite unique," he expressed.

The term 'Fab Four' was first introduced by the late Martin Crowe, a legendary cricketer from New Zealand, in 2014, when he recognized Kohli, Smith, Root, and Williamson as young talents poised to influence the future of international cricket.

Williamson also reflected on his relationships with the other three players, noting that he spent significant time with Kohli and Root, while his interactions with Smith were less frequent. He emphasized that each player has a distinct personality and style of play.

"They are all quite different. I spent a lot of time with Virat and Rooty, and a bit with Smudge over the years, but yes, more with some than others," he stated.

He further expressed admiration for how each of them approaches the game, stating that his focus throughout his career was on fulfilling his team responsibilities rather than making individual comparisons.

"They are all unique characters, and I enjoyed watching them and their methods. I admired how they played. Personally, I always returned to my role and the team," he concluded.