Virat Kohli congratulates retiring Williamson: Well done mate, life's only just begun
Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Kane Williamson following the New Zealand great's retirement from international cricket, praising their friendship and celebrating his remarkable legacy.
Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand great announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on one of the most distinguished careers in the modern era.
The former India captain took to social media to congratulate Williamson, hailing not only his achievements on the field but also the friendship they have built over the years. Kohli's message reflected the deep respect shared between two cricketers who have defined batting excellence across formats for more than a decade.
"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," Kohli wrote.
The Indian star also wished Williamson well for the next chapter of his life, adding: "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."
FRIENDSHIP BEYOND RIVALRY
Kohli's words carried added significance given the journey the two players have shared throughout their careers.
Both emerged as leading talents around the same period and frequently crossed paths in international cricket, youth competitions and franchise tournaments. While they spent years trying to outdo one another on the field, their rivalry gradually evolved into a friendship built on mutual admiration and respect.
Williamson and Kohli also became synonymous with cricket's celebrated "Fab Four", alongside Australia's Steve Smith and England's Joe Root. The quartet dominated discussions around the world's best batters for much of the last decade, with each setting new benchmarks across formats.
Among them, Kohli and Williamson often stood out for their contrasting styles but similar consistency, earning admiration from fans and opponents alike.
FITTING FAREWELL
As tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, Kohli's message serves as a reminder of the impact Williamson has had on both teammates and rivals.
The former New Zealand captain leaves the international stage with an outstanding record. He scored 2,575 runs in 93 T20 Internationals and amassed 7,256 runs in 175 One-Day Internationals, including 15 centuries.
His greatest success came in Test cricket, where he compiled 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an average of 54.06. Williamson registered 33 Test centuries and 38 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 251 against the West Indies in Hamilton in 2020.
While the numbers underline his greatness, the tributes from peers such as Kohli perhaps offer the clearest indication of Williamson's standing in the game. As one chapter closes on an extraordinary international career, the New Zealand legend departs with the respect of the cricketing world firmly intact.
Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand great announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on one of the most distinguished careers in the modern era.
The former India captain took to social media to congratulate Williamson, hailing not only his achievements on the field but also the friendship they have built over the years. Kohli's message reflected the deep respect shared between two cricketers who have defined batting excellence across formats for more than a decade.
"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," Kohli wrote.
The Indian star also wished Williamson well for the next chapter of his life, adding: "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."
FRIENDSHIP BEYOND RIVALRY
Kohli's words carried added significance given the journey the two players have shared throughout their careers.
Both emerged as leading talents around the same period and frequently crossed paths in international cricket, youth competitions and franchise tournaments. While they spent years trying to outdo one another on the field, their rivalry gradually evolved into a friendship built on mutual admiration and respect.
Williamson and Kohli also became synonymous with cricket's celebrated "Fab Four", alongside Australia's Steve Smith and England's Joe Root. The quartet dominated discussions around the world's best batters for much of the last decade, with each setting new benchmarks across formats.
Among them, Kohli and Williamson often stood out for their contrasting styles but similar consistency, earning admiration from fans and opponents alike.
FITTING FAREWELL
As tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, Kohli's message serves as a reminder of the impact Williamson has had on both teammates and rivals.
The former New Zealand captain leaves the international stage with an outstanding record. He scored 2,575 runs in 93 T20 Internationals and amassed 7,256 runs in 175 One-Day Internationals, including 15 centuries.
His greatest success came in Test cricket, where he compiled 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an average of 54.06. Williamson registered 33 Test centuries and 38 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 251 against the West Indies in Hamilton in 2020.
While the numbers underline his greatness, the tributes from peers such as Kohli perhaps offer the clearest indication of Williamson's standing in the game. As one chapter closes on an extraordinary international career, the New Zealand legend departs with the respect of the cricketing world firmly intact.
