"Everybody finishes": Kane Williamson opens up on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement and their special bond
Published - 19 Jul 2025, 02:51 PM | Updated - 19 Jul 2025, 02:53 PM
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Kane Williamson recently opened up about how he felt when Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, having already called time on his glorious T20I career after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, as they share a great bond of mutual respect and special friendship that goes beyond the cricket field.
Virat Kohli and Williamson’s connection began during their Under-19 days, when they first crossed paths as young captains leading their respective countries—India and New Zealand. Over the years, as both players rose to international stardom, their bond only grew stronger.
Kane Williamson reveals his special connection with Virat Kohli
Whether facing off in the high-pressure matches or sharing light moments off the field, there has always been mutual admiration and deep respect between them. They always care about their actions against each other when India and New Zealand are up against each other.
They have shared a long journey from Under-19 days to leading their national teams on the biggest stages. Well, Williamson admitted that when Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, it made him pause and reflect. He also said that there is a certain connection with Virat that builds over time.
Kane Williamson was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “You don't consider that whilst you're just right in the middle of it and then players that you've played alongside for so many years. Your careers have kind of married up from under 19s through to captaining or playing for your country. Then in the captain instance that we did that... there were very similar times to the natural progression.”
Kane Williamson opens up about Virat Kohli's Test retirement
The former New Zealand captain has insisted that the world doesn’t know how special the bond they share off the field is. Williamson noted that nobody can continue playing forever, so he could only respect and admire Virat Kohli after he shocked the cricket world in May 2025.
He added, “Everybody finishes. When some of those decisions are made, it does stop you and make you consider a lot of things but also appreciation and respect. 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.”
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Williamson also hailed how Kohli chose to leave on his own terms, which shows strength and clarity in his decision-making. He further noted, “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.”
Kane Williamson embraces new cultures as he finds joy in global cricket
The Kiwi star is currently playing in the Vitality T20 Blast in England. And Williamson said that he enjoys the chance to connect with people from different cultures while playing in various leagues around the world. He said that playing in the franchise leagues across the globe is one of the most rewarding parts of being a professional cricketer.
Williamson signed off by saying that he really values the opportunity to experience new environments, play quality cricket, and do what he loves while having his family by his side to share those special moments across the world.
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