Kane Williamson ends 16-year journey, legendary NZ batter retires from international cricket

One of the finest batters in modern cricket and New Zealand cricket team">New Zealand cricket team">New Zealand cricket team">New Zealand cricket team">New Zealand's most accomplished run-scorer, Kane Williamson, has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The decision marks the end of a memorable 16-year journey during which he became one of the most respected cricketers in the world.

The 35-year-old leaves the international stage after representing New Zealand in 378 matches across formats. During his career, Williamson scored 19,346 international runs, the highest by any New Zealand player. His record includes 48 international centuries and six double centuries, achievements that place him among the game's elite batters.

Williamson's influence extended beyond his batting. As captain, he guided New Zealand through one of the most successful periods in the country's cricket history. Between 2016 and 2024, he led the Black Caps in all three formats, helping them reach two ICC World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and their historic victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in 2021.

A Modern Day Great

Hailed as a modern legend and great player of today, Williamson was one of the Fab 4 that comprised Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Steve Smith. He’s the first of them to retire from every format. By doing so, he ensures there is no active player close enough to dash Root’s hopes to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of Test runs. He’s been around since 2010 and will turn 36 in less than a couple of months.

Kane Williamson’s Success as Skipper

As a captain, Williamson led New Zealand to becoming the first-ever World Test Champions in 2021. The same year he led them to the T20 World Cup. In 2019, he led them to the ODI World Cup final. He was also part of the side that played the 2015 ODI World Cup final and the summit clash of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

As captain, Williamson recorded 22 victories in 40 Tests, 46 wins in 91 ODIs, and 39 wins in 75 T20Is. Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup, the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, won the 2021 World Test Championship, finished runners-up in the 2021 T20 World Cup, reached the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, and the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final.

His individual honours were equally impressive. Williamson was named Player of the Tournament at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Test Player of the Year in 2019, and received the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2018. In 2016, he became the youngest and fastest player to score centuries against all major Test-playing nations. He was also named Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 2015 and won the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on four occasions.

International Numbers

His record speaks for itself. In 110 Tests, he’s batted 195 times with 19 unbeaten knocks and scored 9515 runs. That too at an average of 54.06 with 33 100s and 38 50s with a personal best of 251. In ODIs, he played 167 innings in 175 games with 7256 runs to his name. Add to that an average of 48.69 and 15 100s along with 47 100s with a top score of 148. He’s also represented New Zealand in 93 T20Is and batted on 90 occasions while managing to make 2575 with the highest score of 95 and average of 33.44 plus a strike rate of 123.08. Not to mention 18 half-centuries.

Kane Williamson’s Parting Statement

"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time. I've always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I've given it my all in every match I've played for New Zealand," Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.

"Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms. I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There's a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team. It's a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart," he added.