Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s tour of England. Throughout their international careers, the two were fierce competitors within the renowned ‘Fab Four’.
Kohli, however, stepped away from the race following a disappointing performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, prompting an earlier-than-expected transition for the Indian team. He retired after 123 Test matches, having scored 9,230 runs, the fourth-highest tally by an Indian in the format.
After retiring from T20Is post India’s 2024 World Cup win, Kohli now plays only ODIs, while Williamson, Root, and Smith continue their Test careers, keeping their rivalry alive. Kane Williamson stated that Virat Kohli’s decision to retire on his own terms deserves respect, as every good journey eventually comes to a close.
“Someone like Virat.. so many great moments throughout the international game but really the bond outside of the pitch is something that’s you know far more special and those experiences that have been shared together.”
“All good things come to an end, and the way he’s been able to make those decisions that feel comfortable to him… I think it’s been incredible going out on his terms, etc. Although still involved in one of the formats,” Williamson said in an interview with the Times of India.
Kane Williamson Praises Shubman Gill’s Captaincy After Kohli’s Test Retirement
Kane Williamson, who shared the dressing room with Shubman Gill at Gujarat Titans, praised Gill’s smooth transition to international captaincy. He believes Gill will soon excel in Tests, just as he has in white-ball cricket.
“He’s responded beautifully, hasn’t he? I always thought captaincy sits well with Shubman. I know happening in a franchise space is slightly different, you know it’s a shorter sort of project versus captain in your country, which is you know it’s a lot more consuming. Whilst you’re in that role, you’re never out of it. It’s a much larger role sort of on and off the field,” Williamson said.
“Watching Shubman operate, he’s wise beyond his years, and responsibility is naturally something he’d look to take on. Hearing him get that opportunity was no surprise, and the quality of the player goes without saying. He’s absolutely world-class. In the IPL and one-day cricket, he’s top of the tree. Test cricket is really a matter of time,” he added.
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