Kane Williamson calls Virat Kohli 'selfless' as he speaks about journey of Fab 4 in international cricket
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Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spoken about the Fab 4 in international cricket and their journey so far. The Fab 4 in international cricket refers to four high-class batters of this era - Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson himself.
All these four batters have been an inspiration for the upcoming generations of cricketers. All of these players have broken certain records in their respective careers and have been the epitome of consistency despite various challenges.
Kane Williamson lauds Virat Kohli for his versatility
Kane Williamson is celebrating his birthday today (August 8). The legendary New Zealand batter spoke to Star Sports about the journey of himself along with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root.
Williamson hailed Kohli for his ability to be successful in all the formats of the game and for adapting smoothly between formats. He called Kohli a selfless cricketer who uses his passion to win games for his team.
"The way in terms of setting new standards in all three formats and his ability to move between them. His ability to win games of cricket, I truly appreciate when you see that mixed in with the selfless nature or the tenacious appetite to want to use that to win games for the team. I think that adds so much more to it. He has that in spades," Williamson said.
Virat Kohli has been one of the most passionate cricketers of this generation. His passion can be seen through his eyes. He has scored 50 ODI hundreds in his career so far.
Kane Williamson hails Steve Smith for his unorthodox batting
The 34-year-old also lauded Steve Smith's unorthodox batting stance that he has carried over the years. Williamson claimed that Smith doesn't have any weakness and the bowlers do not have a particular plan to bowl to him.
"Steve (Smith), his unorthodox approach - I don't think anybody has sort of worked out a clear plan or way to actually bowl to him and be effective. He has brought a new kind of exciting element to batting which sort of breaks the norms, stereotype. And you really appreciate that when you see people performing their art and it's so unique," Williamson stated.
A journey of learning and enjoying cricket at its finest! 🤌🏻
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"Another player who has been able to adapt his game" - Kane Williamson on Joe Root
The NZ legend also praised Joe Root for his ability to adapt his game over the years. He claimed that everybody has pushed each other during this time and he has learned a lot from all of them.
"Someone like Joe (Root), another player who has been able to adapt his game and be different to the other two that I've mentioned. I suppose it's kind of the beauty," Williamson said.
"Everybody is trying to work with what they have to the best of their ability and trying to push themselves to be better. The guys that are setting that bar for the rest of us to strive. You are certainly looking to the challenges that lie ahead which is taking each other on out on the field and I always enjoy playing against those guys. When you do, it's always a great opportunity to learn from them. They are leading the way. You truly appreciate that," he added.
Kane Williamson is regarded as the finest batter to have evolved from New Zealand in their cricket history. The 34-year-old is currently sitting second on the list of the highest run-getters for New Zealand, just behind Ross Taylor by just 71 runs. He is the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket with 8743 runs at an average of 54.98.
Recently, he quit as New Zealand's captain in ODIs and T20Is after New Zealand's shock group stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Williamson also refused to sign the central contract for New Zealand's next season but stated that he would be available to play for his country.
