Williamson, regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, called time on an international journey that saw him become New Zealand\u2019s highest run-scorer across formats with 19,346 runs in 378 matches, including 48 centuries and six double-hundreds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli, who shared one of modern cricket\u2019s most respected rivalries and friendships with Williamson, posted an emotional message on social media, reflecting on their bond beyond the cricket field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrom an opponent to a friend over the years. It\u2019s 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,\" Kohli wrote on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you nothing but the best always, brother. You\u2019ve done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done, mate, life\u2019s only just begun,\u201d He added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also congratulated Williamson on a career defined by excellence and leadership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCongratulations to Kane Williamson on an exceptional international career built on class, humility, and outstanding leadership. Your achievements as the ICC Men\u2019s Cricket World Cup 2019 Player of the Tournament and the captain of New Zealand's historic ICC World Test Championship 2021 triumph will remain etched in cricketing history,\" Shah wrote in a post on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWishing you continued success and fulfilment in all your future endeavours,\u201d The ICC chair added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Williamson\u2019s retirement drew admiration from across the cricketing world, with former Australia opener David Warner also paying a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and rival.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKano, it\u2019s been an absolute privilege to play both alongside you and against you over the years. The runs, the records, and the achievements speak for themselves, but what has always stood out most to me is the person behind it all.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been one of the genuine good blokes of world cricket \u2014 humble, respectful, and someone who played the game in the right spirit every single time you walked onto the field. Whether we were teammates or opponents, I always loved sharing the field with you because you brought out the best in everyone around you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKano, it\u2019s been an absolute privilege to play both alongside you and against you over the years. The runs, the records, and the achievements speak for themselves, but what has always stood out most to me is the person behind it all.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 35-year-old Williamson leaves the international game as one of New Zealand cricket\u2019s most influential figures. Apart from captaining the side to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title in 2021, he led the Black Caps to the final of the 2019 World Cup and was widely praised for his calm leadership and sportsmanship.<\/p>\r\n\r\n