Kane Williamson in action (Source: AFP Photos)
In a move that might not surprise many cricket fans, Kane Williamson, one of the modern-day greats of the game, decided not to continue playing for New Zealand in the shortest format. The 35-year-old made his decision public on Sunday, as confirmed by Black Caps.
Having made 2575 runs in 93 matches averaging 33.44, Williamson bid adieu to T20I cricket with a questionable strike rate of 123.08. He notched up 18 fifties during his T20I career, which began back in October 2011 against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Nevertheless, only Martin Guptill had more T20I runs for New Zealand than Williamson, although his tally of 3531 runs at a strike rate of 135.70 came in 122 matches.
“It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences. It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup," Williamson said in a statement.
Young talents force Williamson for T20I retirement
With Rachin Ravindra already taking Williamson’s No. 3 role in T20Is for New Zealand, the retirement decision was on the cards. Even Tim Seifert, Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman, considerably younger than Williamson, are challenging for a place in the national set-up, and the Kiwi great felt he must vacate his place to keep the healthy competition going.
“There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup. Mitch is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team. It’s now their time to push the BLACKCAPS forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar," he added.
However, while announcing the news, Williamson assured he will keep playing ODIs and Tests, the formats in which he boasts significant numbers compared to T20Is. He is expected to be in action next on November 26, when his side Northern District will play Auckland in a Plunket Shield second-round clash at the Bay Oval.
