Kane Williamson Reflects on Virat Kohli's Retirement from Test Cricket

Kane Williamson has opened up about the impact of Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket, prompting him to reflect on his own career. In a candid interview, Williamson discusses the significance of Kohli's decision and shares insights into his journey as a cricketer. As he prepares for his upcoming stint with Middlesex in England, Williamson recalls the early days of his career and the valuable lessons learned in county cricket. With New Zealand set to tour Zimbabwe soon, this reflection highlights the evolving nature of a cricketer's life beyond the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2025, 08:37 IST

Kane Williamson's Thoughts on Kohli's Retirement

The recent announcement of Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket has significantly impacted Kane Williamson, a fellow member of the 'Fab Four'. In a conversation with a prominent media outlet, the New Zealand cricketer expressed that Kohli's decision prompted him to contemplate his own career and the notion of an eventual conclusion.

"My initial reaction was, 'oh wow, there’s an end point.' Before this, you’re simply on the journey, pursuing your goals," Williamson remarked. "While it’s not directly related to the other three, we’ve all been playing concurrently, competing against one another for a long time, and have developed a good understanding of each other. This makes you reflect a bit more."

Kohli concluded his Test career earlier this month, having played 123 matches and amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 49.29. In contrast, Williamson has participated in 105 Tests and has outperformed Kohli, scoring 9,276 runs with an outstanding average of 54.88. Only Joe Root (13,006 runs in 153 Tests) and Steve Smith (10,271 runs in 116 Tests) rank higher than him among the Fab Four.

"I have a good rapport with Virat; we’ve had numerous discussions over the years," Williamson added. "However, it’s important to remember that we are not just cricketers; we are human beings, and our life circumstances evolve."

At the age of 34, Williamson is currently positioned 17th on the all-time Test run-scorers list, with only one other active player, Root, ahead of him. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 15,921 runs.

Williamson's Return to England for County Cricket

Williamson is back in England, preparing to represent Middlesex in the ongoing Vitality Blast and the County Championship. This return to England is significant for him, as he associates it with crucial early development in his career.

"The summer here in the UK always has a vibrant atmosphere, especially in London, so it’s wonderful to spend a few months here," Williamson stated. "I truly valued my time playing county cricket in England as a young player, as it provided me with exposure and learning opportunities."

The New Zealand batter commended the demanding nature of the county cricket schedule, stating,

"You’re constantly challenged to adapt and learn, with numerous opportunities to do so. In contrast, many other regions offer significantly fewer matches each year."

New Zealand's next assignment will be their tour of Zimbabwe in July, where they are set to participate in a tri-series alongside the hosts and South Africa, followed by a two-Test series against Zimbabwe.