Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday. Virat Kohli paid tribute to Williamson, congratulating him on his cricketing journey.

What happened?

Virat Kohli took to social media to congratulate Kane Williamson on his retirement, posting a heartfelt note on X.

Kohli praised Williamson's batting and competing skills, valuing their friendship and shared perspectives on the game.

Why it matters for Kane Williamson

Williamson finished as New Zealand's all-time leading run scorer in the three formats combined, with 9346 runs, including 48 hundreds and 6 double hundreds.

He led New Zealand to two ICC World Cup Finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

What comes next?

Williamson was a consultant with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to IPL 2026 for any other team.

Kohli and Williamson met in the ICC 2008 U19 World Cup final, where Kohli claimed Williamson's wicket, and India went on to lift the title.

The two players have admired each other, and their friendship has often reflected in their mannerisms and behavior.

They recently met prior to an IPL game between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, and the moment went viral.

Kohli posted, “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.”

Kohli and Williamson are part of the “Fab Four”, which also includes Steve Smith and Joe Root.

Williamson's retirement marks the end of an era in international cricket, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.

On Friday, Williamson announced his retirement, and the cricketing world has been paying tribute to his achievements.

The 35-year-old's decision to retire has been met with respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.

As Williamson begins his new journey, his fans will be eager to see what the future holds for him.

For now, they can look back on his impressive career, which has been marked by numerous achievements and records.

Kohli's tribute to Williamson is a testament to the respect and admiration that exists between the two players.

Their friendship is a reminder that, despite being opponents on the field, they have a deep respect for each other's skills and achievements.

As the cricketing world moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Williamson's legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.

For Kane Williamson, life after cricket has just begun, and his fans will be eager to see what the future holds for him.