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Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has shared insights on the journey of the Fab 4 in international cricket, a group comprising Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and himself.
These elite batters have set high standards and inspired future generations of cricketers. Each has achieved significant milestones and demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout their careers, overcoming various challenges along the way.
Kane Williamson praises Virat Kohli for his adaptability and versatility.
As Kane Williamson celebrates his birthday today (August 8), the renowned New Zealand batter shared insights with Star Sports about his journey alongside Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root.
Williamson praised Kohli for his success across all formats and his seamless adaptation between them. He described Kohli as a selfless cricketer whose passion drives him to secure victories for his team.
“The way in terms of setting new standards in all three formats and his ability to move between them. His ability to win games of cricket, I truly appreciate when you see that mixed in with the selfless nature or the tenacious appetite to want to use that to win games for the team. I think that adds so much more to it. He has that in spades,” Williamson said.
Virat Kohli stands out as one of the most passionate cricketers of his generation, with his intensity evident in his performance and demeanor. To date, he has amassed 50 centuries in One Day Internationals.
Kane Williamson commends Steve Smith for his unconventional batting style.
The 34-year-old also praised Steve Smith’s unique batting stance, which he has maintained throughout his career. Williamson noted that Smith has no apparent weaknesses and that bowlers lack a specific strategy to counter his approach.
“Steve (Smith), his unorthodox approach – I don’t think anybody has sort of worked out a clear plan or way to actually bowl to him and be effective. He has brought a new kind of exciting element to batting which sort of breaks the norms, stereotype. And you really appreciate that when you see people performing their art and it’s so unique,” Williamson stated.
“Another player who has been able to adapt his game” – Kane Williamson on Joe Root
The New Zealand legend also commended Joe Root for his ability to evolve his game over the years. He remarked that the players have continuously challenged one another, leading him to gain valuable insights from each of them.
“Someone like Joe (Root), another player who has been able to adapt his game and be different to the other two that I’ve mentioned. I suppose it’s kind of the beauty,” Williamson said.
“Everybody is trying to work with what they have to the best of their ability and trying to push themselves to be better. The guys that are setting that bar for the rest of us to strive. You are certainly looking to the challenges that lie ahead which is taking each other on out on the field and I always enjoy playing against those guys. When you do, it’s always a great opportunity to learn from them. They are leading the way. You truly appreciate that,” he added.
Kane Williamson is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters to emerge from New Zealand cricket. At 34, he is currently second on the list of New Zealand’s highest run-scorers, trailing Ross Taylor by just 71 runs. Williamson holds the record for the most runs for New Zealand in Test cricket, amassing 8,743 runs at an average of 54.98.
Recently, he stepped down as New Zealand’s captain in ODIs and T20Is following the team’s unexpected group stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Although Williamson has chosen not to sign a central contract for the upcoming season, he has indicated his willingness to continue representing his country.
