‘From rival to friend’: Virat Kohli penned heartfelt farewell message for Kane Williamson

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson (PTI Photo) Former India captain Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand batsman announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday.Williamson’s decision brought the curtain down on a remarkable international career spanning 16 years, during which he established himself as one of the best batsmen of the modern era and one of the greatest New Zealand cricketers of all time.Soon after the announcement, Kohli took to X and shared a heartfelt message for his long-time rival and friend, reflecting on the bond they have forged over the years of competing at the highest level.

Posted by Virat Kohli

“From a rival to a friend over the years. It’s been a pleasure to watch you bat and compete with you for so many years, but more than that, I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond. I continue to value everyone when we talk or meet. I wish you the best, brother. You’ve done your part, you deserve to enjoy it all and get back on your feet. He’s just getting started, man.”Along with Steve Smith and Joe Root, Kohli and Williamson were the two pillars of the famous ‘Fab Four’ generation. Over the last decade, the pair have earned immense respect from fans and fellow cricketers alike for their consistency, leadership and performances across formats.Interestingly, both the batting greats ended their Test careers just shy of the coveted 10,000-run milestone. Williamson finished with 9,515 runs in 110 Tests at an excellent average of 54.06, which accounted for 33 centuries and six double centuries. Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in 2025, finished with 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds.Williamson leaves the game as New Zealand’s leading international run-scorer across formats. The 35-year-old amassed 19,346 international runs and was central to one of the most successful periods in New Zealand cricket history.Known for his calm demeanor and elegant batting, Williamson scored 9,515 Test runs, 7,256 ODI runs and 2,575 T20I runs during his international career. He also captained New Zealand to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and led the team to several finals and semi-finals of ICC tournaments.His retirement came during New Zealand’s ongoing three-Test series against England, meaning the first Test at Lord’s was the final match of his international career.As tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, Kohli’s message stood out as a reflection of the mutual admiration and friendship shared by two of the defining cricketers of their generation.