Devon Conway pays heartfelt tribute to Kane Williamson as he announces T20I retirement

Published - 02 Nov 2025, 19:17 IST | Updated - 02 Nov 2025, 19:17 IST

New Zealand opener Devon Conway congratulated batting legend and compatriot Kane Williamson on the conclusion of his illustrious T20I career, stating that Williamson’s calmness, class, and leadership have inspired everyone.

A one-time T20 World Cup finalist and one of the cornerstones of New Zealand’s explosive T20I batting line-up over the past 14 years, Williamson brought the curtains down on his T20I career just months before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. He finishes as New Zealand’s second-highest run-getter in the format, leaving behind a legacy defined by consistency, composure, and exemplary sportsmanship.

“What a privilege it’s been sharing the crease with you, @kane_s_w! Your calmness, class, and leadership have inspired us all. Congratulations on an incredible T20I career, mate.  it’s been an honour to bat alongside you,” wrote Conway on X.

Williamson, who made his T20I debut in 2011, captained the Kiwis on 75 occasions, leading them to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final in 2021. Over the course of 93 matches and 90 innings, he amassed 2575 runs at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 123.08, registering 18 fifties with a career-best score of 95.

Reflecting on his decision, Williamson said that the timing felt right to step back from the shortest format, allowing him to focus on other challenges ahead while giving opportunities to the next generation of New Zealand cricketers.

"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 the NZC press release.

The Kiwis’ all-time leading run-scorer said he remains open-minded about his ODI and Test future, with his immediate focus on preparing for the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, beginning in Christchurch on December 2. Williamson also confirmed that he will continue to feature in T20 franchise leagues around the world.

"I've got such deep care for this team. The BlackCaps is a special place and one you want to give yourself to and get the most out of yourself for. It's a journey and a pursuit, and that's what I love about the international game and this environment. I'll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob [Walter] and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout," Williamson said.