Ace India cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday paid tribute to Kane Williamson following the New Zealand batting great's retirement from international cricket, saying he cherished their friendship and that it was time for the charismatic batter to celebrate the rewards of a lifetime devoted to the game.

Arguably New Zealand's greatest ever batter, Williamson's announcement pulls the curtain down on a glorious 16-year international career that has seen him play 378 games for his country, setting countless batting records and earning the respect and admiration of the cricketing world.