"Although Still Involved": Kane Williamson Reflects on Kohli’s Test Retirement and Their Special Bond

Kane Williamson recently spoke about how he felt when Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket. Kohli had already stopped playing T20 matches after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Kane and Kohli are good friends and respect each other. Their friendship is strong, even outside cricket.

India is now playing a tour in England. This is the first time since 2014 that Kohli is not in the team. Kohli retired a few months ago from the format he loved the most. Now that he is not in the Test team, fans and experts are missing him a lot.

Kohli’s retirement was a big surprise for cricket fans. He played 123 Test matches and scored 9230 runs with an average of 46.9. He also made 30 centuries in Test cricket. His last century came in the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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Kane Williamson Talks About Kohli’s Retirement and Friendship

Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson shared his memories with Virat Kohli, both on and off the field, going back to their Under-19 days. Speaking with The Times of India, the former Black Caps captain said it was amazing to see someone like Kohli retire from Test cricket on his own terms.

Williamson said, “Our careers have followed a similar path from Under-19 cricket to playing and leading our countries. We both became captains around the same time, which felt like a natural journey. Everyone finishes one day.”

He also said, “When such decisions are made, it makes you stop and think. It brings respect and appreciation. Kohli has had many great moments in international cricket, but the bond we share off the field is even more special.”

Williamson added, “All good things come to an end. The way Kohli made the choice that felt right to him was incredible. He walked away on his own terms. Though he has stopped playing Tests, he is still part of one format.”

Kohli's Retirement and Final Test Series

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket just before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 began. This led to rumours that he was forced to retire. But BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla denied those claims and said the board never forces any player to retire.

Kohli’s last Test series was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia. He scored 190 runs, including a century in the first match. India lost the series 1–3, and Australia reached the WTC final.

Williamson on Playing in T20 Leagues

Kane Williamson is now playing in the Vitality T20 Blast in England. He said he enjoys meeting people from different cultures while playing in leagues around the world. According to him, being part of such leagues is one of the best things about being a professional cricketer.