12 June,2026 09:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson (Pic: Instagram/royalchallengers.bengaluru)
New Zealand's star batsman Kane Williamson announced his retirement on Friday. The New Zealand Cricket shared a post on its official social media handle. "One of our greatest ever, signing off. Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket effective immediately," read the post's caption.
Following his retirement, Team India's star batsman Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt note on his official social media handle.
"From an opponent to a friend over the years. It's been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond. I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you nothing but the best always brother. You've done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done mate, life's only just begun. #KaneWilliamson," he wrote.
Team India is all set to clash against Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series. Ahead of the series, the "Men in Blue" will miss out on Kohli's services, as he has been ruled out due to an injury. The match will be played on Saturday, June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
Williamson represented New Zealand in 110 Test matches, in which he scored 9515 runs, including 33 tons and 38 half-centuries. Williamson also made 175 ODI appearances and accumulated 7256 runs, with the help of 15 centuries and 47 half-centuries.
The former right-handed batsman featured in 93 T20I games. He concluded his shortest format career with 2575 runs, including 18 half-centuries.
Apart from these impressive numbers, Williamson is also placed in the second position on the list of players with the most nineties in their ODI career. In 175 ODI matches, he registered nine nineties to his name.
