"I liked looking at the mirror" - Kane Williamson on conversation with Virat Kohli before retirement
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Kane Williamson’s 16-year international career concluded abruptly during New Zealand’s 2026 Test series in England, ending with two consecutive scores of zero and 18 in the opening match at Lord’s. The former captain, who finished his career as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 points, revealed in a recent podcast interview that a final conversation with Virat Kohli had played a pivotal role in his decision.
Speaking on *Between Two Beers*, Williamson described a candid phone call with Kohli just days before his retirement announcement, where the two former rivals shared insights into the pressures and evolution of their respective careers. Both men, who had captained their nations for extended periods while managing family life, reflected on how their approach to the game had shifted after decades of relentless pursuit of improvement.
Williamson noted that the discussion helped solidify his resolve, as he acknowledged the need to step away from a sport that had defined him for nearly two decades.
