Virat Kohli pays emotional tribute to Kane Williamson after New Zealand star's retirement

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson (PTI Photo)

Former India captain Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand batting great announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday. Williamson's decision brought the curtain down on a remarkable international career spanning 16 years, during which he established himself as one of the finest batters of the modern era and one of New Zealand's greatest-ever cricketers. Soon after the announcement, Kohli took to X and shared a heartfelt message for his longtime rival and friend, reflecting on the bond they developed through years of competing at the highest level.

Virat Kohli post

"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 and Williamson were two pillars of the celebrated "Fab Four" generation, alongside Steve Smith and Joe Root . Over the past decade, the pair earned immense respect from fans and fellow cricketers alike for their consistency, leadership and performances across formats. Interestingly, both batting greats finished their Test careers just short of the coveted 10,000-run milestone. Williamson ended with 9,515 runs in 110 Tests at an outstanding average of 54.06, scoring 33 centuries and six double-centuries. Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in 2025, finished with 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds. Williamson leaves the game as New Zealand's leading international run-scorer across formats. The 35-year-old accumulated 19,346 international runs and was a central figure in one of the most successful periods in New Zealand cricket history. Known for his calm demeanour and elegant batting, Williamson scored 9,515 Test runs, 7,256 ODI runs and 2,575 T20I runs during his international career. He also captained New Zealand to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title in 2021 and led the team to multiple ICC tournament finals and semi-finals. His retirement came during New Zealand's ongoing three-Test series against England, meaning the first Test at Lord's was the final match of his international career. As tributes poured in from around the cricketing world, Kohli's message stood out as a reflection of the mutual admiration and friendship shared by two of the defining cricketers of their generation.

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