In a recent interview with Sky Sports, former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Virat Kohli, calling him “probably the greatest all-format player” of the past 15 years. The admiration comes as Kohli steps away from both T20 internationals and Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy built on staggering numbers and unmatched consistency.
Kohli’s Impact Across Formats
Virat Kohli has long been regarded as one of the modern greats of the game. From his fiery debut to leading India across all formats, Kohli consistently delivered high-level performances, especially in ODIs and T20Is. While his form dipped slightly in Tests after 2019, his overall career stats remain elite, and his impact undeniable.
Williamson acknowledged the unique pressure Kohli faced throughout his career, especially playing in a cricket-obsessed nation like India. “Virat is probably the greatest all-format player we’ve seen in the last 15 years,” Williamson said. “He had his own challenges in an absolutely cricket-obsessed country, and he was at the top of the tree.”
A Bond Beyond the Game
Williamson also reflected on his long-standing relationship with Kohli, emphasizing mutual respect and shared experiences rather than on-field rivalry. “It was not really a competitive thing,” he said. “You’re just in the team and you want to compete as a team.”
He continued by speaking about how their careers have run in parallel: “We’re not just playing cricket, but you’re living lives in a parallel way to a huge extent. It’s the different things you experience as you get older, so you do connect on similar levels.”
From competing at the highest level to maintaining a personal connection off the field, the bond between Kohli and Williamson reflects the sportsmanship and mutual admiration that has defined their careers.
As Kohli steps away from certain formats, tributes like Williamson’s highlight just how influential the Indian maestro has been—not just in stats, but in the way he carried the game forward.
