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Kane Williamson Still Committed To New Zealand Cricket, Confirms Coach Walter

Akshita Patel

Coach on Kane Williamson's future with New Zealand cricket [Source: @Abi_sirr, @BLACKCAPS/X.com]Coach on Kane Williamson's future with New Zealand cricket [Source: @Abi_sirr, @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

New Zealand cricket coach Rob Walter has assured fans that Kane Williamson is still fully committed to playing for the Black Caps, despite stepping away from a central contract this year. This comes just hours after Williamson opted out of the Zimbabwe Test series. 

Williamson, 34, is New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer and one of their most respected players. He chose not to take a central contract for the current season, which allows him more freedom to take part in franchise cricket around the world. 

Rob Walter Brushes Off Kane Williamson Retirement Rumours

In a latest development, Kane Williams has opted out of the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe and will instead play in England, captaining the London Spirit team in The Hundred tournament.

Despite the shift, coach Rob Walter revealed that he had a chat with Williamson, and the veteran is very much committed to serving New Zealand cricket.

"Myself and Kane have had a nice conversation, a long conversation. It was really great to catch up with him and discuss cricket. But then also to discuss what the future might look like. I've said it repeatedly, he's still very committed to the Black Caps, and wants to play international cricket. I don't think it'll be too long until we see that," Walter told New Zealand Herald.

Walter added that even though Williamson may need time to figure out how he fits into the shorter formats of the game, his quality is unquestionable.

"Quality players stay quality players, and they just work at finding a method to be successful in all formats. He's a generational talent, I've got no doubt he'd find a way. He's probably jostling with what that actually looks like for him personally. But as I said, quality players find a way," he added.

Although Williamson stepped down as New Zealand’s white-ball captain after their exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, he did play in the 2025 Champions Trophy earlier this year.

Walter Looking Forward To Williamson’s Services In WTC

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed Kane Williamson is far from done with the Black Caps, especially in Test cricket. He added that Williamson is fully on board for the current World Test Championship cycle. 

“I’m looking forward to him coming back into the team given everything that he brings when he does come in. There’s certainly no doubt in my mind that he's committed to this world championship cycle from a Test point of view," Walter told Stuff.

New Zealand's WTC journey starts with a home series against the West Indies and features big clashes with India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, and Pakistan through March 2027.