Kiwi Star Kane Williamson Bids Adieu to T20Is, NZ Faces Blow Ahead of T20 World Cup

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Legendary New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket. This decision, taken just months before the 2026 World Cup, is being considered a major blow to New Zealand cricket. The 35-year-old Williamson has scored 2,575 runs in 93 T20 matches, including 18 half-centuries and a highest score of 95. He is New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer.

Williamson, who made his debut in 2011, captained the team in 75 matches and led the team to two semi-finals (2016, 2022) and one final (2021). He said, "This is the right time for both me and the team. We have many talented players, and now they should get a chance to grow. Mitch Santner is a fantastic captain and I will always support him."

He handed over the white-ball captaincy to Santner after the 2024 T20 World Cup. In recent months, he has been playing selectively and spending time with his family. Williamson stated that he would still be available for Test and ODI formats. His next appearance could be for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield from November 26, while his main focus is on the Test series against the West Indies starting December 2.