Ex-India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan took a warm note of the New Zealand star Kane Williamson and described him as a technically "calm storm" off the field of T20 cricket when he decided to call it a day. After a glittering 93-match career, Williamson has decided to part ways with T20Is right away. During these matches, he made more than 2500 runs for the Black Caps. So he will be available only in the Test and ODI formats.

Shikhar Dhawan hails Kane Williamson as he bows out of T20Is

shikhar dhawan

The 35-year-old cricketer, who was first seen in a T20I in 2011, has been the captain of New Zealand in 75 games, taking them to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup twice (2016 and 2022) and to the final in 2021. A player of the few but classic strokes and a very calm temperament, Williamson leaves the scene as the second-highest T20I run-scorer for New Zealand among men, with a total of 2,575 runs at an average of 33, made up of 18 fifties and a highest score of 95.

Dhawan, who shared the dressing room with Williamson at Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, praised his former captain’s leadership and batting elegance in a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Bro #KaneWilliamson, what a calm storm you’ve been in T20Is! Always admired the way you led with composure and batted with grace. Wishing you happiness and success in every innings beyond this format!”

Reflecting on his retirement, Williamson said he was grateful for his time in T20 cricket but felt it was the right moment to step aside.

“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 them clarity ahead of the next T20 World Cup. There’s so much T20 talent in the side, and the next period will be important to get these guys ready,” Williamson said in a statement on Sunday.

Williamson’s decision comes a few months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He has also been left out of New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies, as he shifts focus to the three-Test series in December.