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Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has shed light on the future of Kane Williamson, one of the country’s greatest-ever cricketers.
Tim Southee on Kane Williamson’s future
While Williamson continues to be an integral part of New Zealand’s setup across all three formats, Southee acknowledged that time will eventually dictate how long he remains at the highest level. Williamson has maintained his commitment to international cricket, but with an increasing workload and the inevitable physical toll, questions have begun to arise about how much longer he will continue to play for the Black Caps. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Southee believed that New Zealand Cricket will do everything possible to manage his schedule carefully, ensuring that he remains fresh and available for the ODI World Cup 2027.
“For him (Williamson), he’s still playing all three formats. He’s also got a county contract in the UK for the winter, which shows he still has the hunger to play. Time will tell, but with the One-Day World Cup two years away, I think New Zealand Cricket will be doing everything they can to keep him fresh and available. He’s still reasonably young at 34, but you never quite know with Kane,” Southee stated.
Williamson’s Champions Trophy 2025 performance and ODI legacy
Despite frequent injury setbacks in recent years, Williamson once again proved his class in the Champions Trophy 2025, leading his side to yet another ICC final. The elegant right-hander amassed 189 runs at an average of 47.25, with a strike rate of 85.91, showcasing his consistency on the big stage. Since making his ODI debut in 2010, Williamson has been New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in the format, playing crucial roles in multiple ICC events. However, injuries have disrupted his career, forcing him to miss extended periods. Given that the next ICC ODI event is in 2027, many believe Williamson may reevaluate his role and decide whether to extend his ODI career until the next World Cup or step away beforehand.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin dismisses Rachin Ravindra’s selection as Player of the Tournament, reveals his pick
Williamson goes unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction
One of the biggest surprises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction was Kane Williamson going unsold, marking a significant moment in his T20 career. Despite being a seasoned campaigner with vast experience, no IPL franchise placed a bid for him, raising questions about his future in the league.
Previously part of the Gujarat Titans (GT), Williamson was released by the franchise ahead of the auction. Given his leadership skills and batting prowess, his absence from the IPL is surprising, but it also highlights the changing dynamics of franchise cricket, where younger, more aggressive T20 players are preferred over experienced anchors like Williamson.
While Williamson remains an active international player, he has also begun expanding his career into franchise and county cricket. Recently, he committed his future to English county cricket, signing a two-year contract with Middlesex Cricket. The deal will see him play in both the T20 Blast and the County Championship, reinforcing his presence in English domestic cricket. Additionally, Williamson will feature for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This suggested that while he remains focused on international cricket, he is also laying the groundwork for a post-international career in global T20 leagues.
