Virat Kohli pens emotional tribute to Kane Williamson, says 'Well done mate, life’s only just begun'

Following Kane Williamson’s announcement of his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday, former India captain Virat Kohli took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a poignant tribute. The 37-year-old Indian maestro looked back on a journey that transitioned from intense on-field rivalry into a deep, lasting connection, emphasizing how much he cherishes and values their bond.

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Virat Kohli's special post on Kane Williamson's retirement

In his message, Kohli described the legendary New Zealand batter as far more than just a competitive opponent on the pitch. He highlighted how their relationship, which began as a fierce battle for supremacy between two world-class athletes, evolved over the years into a close friendship anchored in profound mutual respect.

"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's social media post read.

One of the Fab Fours finally departs

The two legendary batters first crossed paths on the global stage as young, promising cricketers during the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. In a prophetic glimpse of the future, Kohli captained India to the tournament title while Williamson led the New Zealand side. Both prodigies would quickly transition into senior international cricket, rapidly emerging as the defining faces of a brand-new generation in the sport.

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Over the subsequent fifteen years, they solidified their statuses as iconic members of the celebrated modern-day 'Fab Four', alongside Australia's Steve Smith and England's Joe Root, consistently setting the ultimate global benchmark for batting excellence across all formats. While Kohli’s illustrious career has often been defined by his fiery intensity and overt aggression, Williamson earned universal admiration for his exceptionally calm demeanor, profound humility, and textbook technical mastery.

Their on-field rivalry produced several of cricket's most memorable modern contests, particularly on the grand stage of ICC tournaments where they often stood opposite each other as captains. A crowning moment of their competitive history came in 2021, when Williamson led New Zealand to a historic victory over Kohli's India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton.