Virat Kohli is the greatest all-format player? Kane Williamson backs the claim

Two players, competing against each other for their respective teams while toppling the record charts with their brilliance, develop a bond defined by mutual respect. Kane Williamson recently demonstrated this respect as he lauded Indian star Virat Kohli. After ruling world cricket for over a decade, Kohli now remains active only in the 50-over format. The 'chase master' retired from the shorter format after India's title victory at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. His Test retirement, however, came subtly, announced through a simple social media post ahead of the start of the new WTC cycle.

Kane Williamson talks about his bond with Virat Kohli

Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli formed the famed 'Fab 4' along with Steve Smith and Joe Root with their brilliant batting. As captains during a defining era for batting, the two have frequently drawn comparisons across different aspects of the game. The leading Indian and New Zealand prospects have been compared for their technical brilliance and their ability to shoulder immense expectations for their respective nations.

In a recent conversation, Kane Williamson opened up about their relationship, one that stretches past the competitive boundaries of the game. He spoke warmly of the camaraderie they’ve built off the field. Williamson lauded Kohli as the 'greatest all-format player' in the last 15 years. Praising his counterpart, the former Kiwi skipper talked about their bond, one shaped by shared experiences, evolving responsibilities, and a mutual understanding of life’s broader perspective.

“Virat is probably the greatest all-format player we've seen in the last 15 years,” said Williamson. “He had his own challenges in an absolute cricket-obsessed country, and he was at the top of the tree. It's a great relationship in slightly different ways. We've stayed in touch in a lot of ways as well. But, yeah, it was not really a competitive thing. You're just in the team and you want to compete as a team.”

“It was quite funny, just a full circle. That's the other part. We're not just playing cricket but you are living lives in a parallel way in a huge percentage. It's the different things you experience as you get older, so you do connect on similar levels,” Williamson added.

Kane Williamson continues to represent New Zealand across all formats. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has already bid goodbyes to two formats, with his Test retirement coming earlier this year. While Kohli now remains active only in ODI's, Williamson, despite choosing to forego a central contract last year, has reiterated his commitment to international cricket.