The story of Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli goes back to the U19 World Cup in 2008 at Kuala Lumpur. Back then, both teenagers led their side in the tournament. While Williamson helped the Black Caps reach the semi-finals of the coveted competition, Kohli’s Indian team went on to win their first U19 Championship.
Since then, the two have shared the field on numerous occasions, while representing the senior side, or leading their IPL teams. They form one half of the Fab Four in the world currently.
The two only have utmost mutual respect, and it was evident in the fifth and final T20I at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. The two skippers shared a candid moment on the field as they were seen discussing issues at the sidelines, overlooking the match in progress.
“Very similar mindsets, very similar philosophies. He’s just a really nice guy, and we got along well, we’ve known each other for a while. It’s amazing to know that in different parts of the world, you are thinking the same things, talking the same language and heading in the right direction,” quoted Kohli, according to Sky Sports.
India became the first team to whitewash New Zealand in their backyard, with the 7-run win in the final T20I. Yet again, it was the Super over, which turned out to be the thorn in the rose for the Kiwis as they managed to lose two subsequent games in the series.
“Although the scoreline looks very different for New Zealand, I truly believe that New Zealand cricket is in the best hands with Kane. He is the right guy to lead this team and layout that vision for them, which he has in the past as well,” lamented the Indian team.
Things have only gone downhill for under-fire skipper Kane Williamson post the heart-breaking loss at the World Cup finals last year. Since then, the Kiwis also lost to the Aussies by a record margin in an away test series.
However, the Indian captain remained optimistic about the leadership personnel in New Zealand and that Williamson is the perfect man to do the job for them.
“As I said, results always can’t determine your leadership. I spoke to him today, and the way he thinks about life and the game, he is just the perfect, perfect man to lead this side. I wish them all the luck and all the power to come back stronger, and they are a side everyone loves to watch and play against as well. Just had a very nice conversation, something that I will remember,” concluded Kohli.
