New Delhi
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, one of the world's greatest batsmen, has made a very emotional and big revelation about his retirement from international cricket. Williamson, who bid farewell to his 16-year-long career in June 2026, said that just a day before the official announcement of his retirement, he had spoken to Indian legend Virat Kohli on the phone. According to Williamson, that conversation with Virat was like looking at himself in the mirror, which completely sealed his decision to retire.
Kane Williamson's career was brilliant
The retirement of Williamson, who scored the highest number of 19346 runs (48 centuries and 6 double centuries) for New Zealand in his illustrious 16-year international career, was shocking for many fans. Even in Test cricket, he was the top scorer of the Kiwi team with 9,515 runs (33 centuries). Despite missing the historic mark of 10,000 Test runs by just 500 runs, he chose to retire from the game in time. India's Virat Kohli also said goodbye to the Test format in 2025 with 9230 runs. Both the legends have been the main pillars and captains of their respective teams for a long time.
Had a conversation with Virat
Speaking on a podcast, Williamson said that the experiences of a long career, the pressure of captaincy and becoming a father at the same time had created a parallel and special relationship between him and Virat. Recalling that emotional conversation with Virat, Kane Williamson said, I had talked to some of my very close and trusted people. Then just a day before announcing my retirement, I had a wonderful conversation with Virat. It was just like looking in the mirror, where we were sharing our experiences over the years. We may live in different worlds, but our lives have followed a completely parallel path, taking on captaincy roles and having kids at the same time. After that call, when my wife came into the room, I told her straight away that it was time to stop.
What did Williamson say after his career ended?
Williamson further explained that after 16 years of being hungry to better yourself and your team every day, life's priorities change. When the reason and perspective of playing the game starts changing, it is wise to leave it at the right time. Williamson further said, 'We were talking about how every day for 16 years the same dedication has been there, 'how do I make myself and my team better'. But when you do it long enough, your life changes. You love something intensely for years and give it everything but a time comes when you have to leave it. If you start playing the game for reasons that are not your own, you cannot continue it for long. I did not want to take any hasty decision but I was realizing that my perspective was changing.