New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, believed that his deputy, Kane Williamson would go on to become one of the best players ever to have played the game.
In an interview with TOI, McCullum was speaking about his decision to retire from all forms of international cricket and about the newly appointed New Zealand T20 captain. The 34-year-old felt that Williamson was a special talent and was the right man to take over from him as captain of the national squad.
“Oh, absolutely. I am sure Kane will be looking forward to the challenge (of leading the side at World T20). Kane is no. 1 in the world and has had a wonderful season. What is remarkable to note is that he is just 25, and in my opinion---will be one of the best players the game has seen,” McCullum said.
Recently, Williamson reached the pinnacle of his career as he was named as the Number 1 Test batsman in the world. At the age of 25, Williamson has achieved much more than many legends of the game did at the same point of their careers. In 2015, Williamson is currently the leading run-scorer in all formats of international cricket, with more than 1000 runs each in Tests and ODIs.
McCullum wanted last match to be at home
McCullum revealed that the reason he retired was because of wanting to focus on family commitments. However, he expressed his delight in having the privilege to retire from cricket in front of his home crowd in Australia's tour of New Zealand in February 2016.
“I have been chasing my dreams for over a decade or so and I believe the time has come to concentrate more on my family. I have three kids to take care as well. It was at the back of my mind. To be playing my last two Tests at home is something I am really looking forward to.
“I felt the two Tests against Australia--- at Wellington and Christchurch-provide the perfect setting. I am channelising all my energies in helping the team focus on the games over the next few weeks,” he said.
The Kiwi skipper, who is known for his exploits in the shortest format of the game, admitted that he never felt the urge to want to play the T20I World Cup in India before he decided to retire.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to represent and captain the Black Caps, but all good things have to come to an end. I'm just grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country,” McCullum said.
McCullum has many records to his name, one of which is being the only Kiwi to score a Test triple ton, which he scored against India. Recently, he equalled Adam Gilchrist's record of most sixes in Test cricket.
“Hitting my 100th six in Tests at Dunedin against Sri Lanka and sharing the record with Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) was something very special. As I have said it even before, that is one record I really care about,” McCullum said.
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