Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket. He had two more Tests left on New Zealand’s tour of England and a full home summer ahead, including a full home series against India and a four-match Test tour of Australia. But he said his decision to retire midway came considering the team’s future ahead of extending his own career as well.
“It does feel good to not exhaust it because it’s not just about you, this decision. I mean, me,” Williamson said. “This decision, there’s a lot of factors and the deep care for the team. To be honest, having captained it for so long and being a real driver of that, that’s a part of it. And there’s another part too. I love the game and the craft and that’s been a massive focus in my life. But gearing that towards that greater cause, which is what we’ve done as a group, and what it’s got out of this team, has been what’s special.
“I won’t necessarily reflect on the runs. You ask me now, remember that score, and I’ll probably struggle to pinpoint it. But actually the growth and how we look to do it as a group, and what you give yourself to, honestly that’s the part. And that’s also part of being here now,” he said.
Kane Williamson also shared that the decision to retire simmered through the course of the Lord’s Test, and he became convinced that it was the right time to leave as well.
“Sitting up there on the balcony and thinking a bit about it and then just taking a bit of time with the days post that and getting comfortable with it. It’s been a process, but it does feel like the right time. I’ve given everything to this team and it’s given me a lot more, I think, in return. And when I look at the dressing room now and I see the talent and the journey that I think this team’s looking to go on, it just feels like the right time for me to step away. And I feel really good about it,” he stated again.
The veteran repeatedly returned to the idea that the team’s future mattered more than adding a few more tests to his career as well.
“I’ve given it my full commitment every time I’ve gone out and played for New Zealand and I’ve really valued that. And in my own mind I didn’t really see being on a team sheet and adding a couple of games as being the most important thing,” he added.
“You look back on perhaps your own time there, and you might score a few runs and you have a few wins. But actually, being a part of a group that draws a lot out of you, and that you care so much about, is the thing that I’ve appreciated so much. And that’s why I feel good about it too. It’s my reasons and nobody else’s, but it’s based on team and change, and that’s why it feels comfortable for me now. And I’m looking forward to the next phase,” he shared again.
“This team’s on a journey and so for that next player to come in and really apply himself and commit to where that team’s going. The series thing’s one thing, but I think the bigger picture is more important. Making the decision to step away and give that space, I think, is what I know as a part of that decision and I’m happy with that,” the former captain added.
“No sort of immediate plans” – Kane Williamson on the next chapter of his life
While talking about his standing in New Zealand cricket, finishing as one of the all-time greats, Kane Williamson was typically reluctant to focus on his own achievements as well.
“This will probably frustrate you and you might say typical, but I don’t think of it so much like that. We’ve had an amazing group of people that have done some pretty cool things and that’s what I reflect on. One of my little things is I’ll remind myself that the runs aren’t yours, they’re of service. What’s enough? So you do everything you can to be a little bit better and give a little bit more. That’s how I’ve gone about my career. It’s brought a lot of joy when you give them to something else rather than it being about you all the time,” he stated.
Looking back on a 16-year international career, Kane Williamson said that the team environment would remain his strongest memory as well.
“You remember your first Test and it was just the best thing ever. If it was never to happen again, you’ve got your baggy and it’s incredible. And then 16 years later you’re standing here and you’re having a choice to make this decision. To then be a part of something so much more, which is that team aspect, is an absolute highlight of my time in the New Zealand cricket team,” he added.
Kane Williamson also said that he had no immediate plans for the future, although he said that he did enjoy spending some time in coaching.
“No sort of immediate plans. I’ve had a little bit of time in the coaching space, enjoyed that and we’ll see. I’ll take a few days with the family and have a look at what’s next. I’ll let you know. Yeah, if you see me out there then I’m out there but yeah, I’m just going to cross that bridge when I come to it. No plans as such in the playing department but we’ll see,” Kane Williamson concluded. “Just someone that cared deeply about the team and always wanted to do more, and was deeply committed to my craft as a cricketer. And I’m just really, really grateful for it all.”
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