Since resigning as New Zealand’s Test cricket captain in December 2022, Kane Williamson has been in top form, amassing 776 runs in 10 innings with an average of 94.5 and two double-tons and two centuries. His decision to give up the captaincy appears to have worked wonders for the Black Caps, as the poster boy of their side has rediscovered his batting mojo.
In a press conference organized by Gujarat Titans, he shed light on his experience in Test in the post-captaincy era. He stated:
“My cricketing brain certainly hasn’t been switched off. When you’re out on the field, you’re trying to do as much as you can for the team. Whether that’s assisting where you can when you’re called upon for your ideas or otherwise.”
“It’s quite a natural thing to be engaged in the game but having said that it [the decision to step down as Test captain] has taken a little bit off my plate, which was a large part of the reason for making that decision. Often, it’s the parts around it [captaincy], where you get a little bit more time back. I’ve always thought it was never a ‘forever job’, it requires a lot of energy, and I really enjoyed my time in that specific role. I do enjoy being involved in leadership, which is basically helping where I can.”
Williamson further said
Kane Williamson recounted his experience of competing in the New Zealand men’s Test side under the captaincy of Southee. He said:
“Less commitments off the field. It’s been a really enjoyable thing in terms of playing under Tim Southee, who is captaining the Test team and doing a great job. Having said that, there’s transition involved [of going from captain to just a player] without a doubt, there’s perhaps less commitments off the field.”
“Hardik captaining the side, it’s something I’m excited about”: Williamson
Last November, Sunrisers Hyderabad released the dynamic Kiwi cricketer Kane Williamson. During his three-and-a-half seasons with SRH, he led the team to the IPL 2018 finals. Subsequently, Kane Williamson was purchased by Gujarat Titans at his base price of INR 2 crores. Kane expressed enthusiasm about playing under Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying:
“It’s still a change, something that I’m experiencing at the moment and working through. I’m fortunate to have a number of leaders in the New Zealand environment. And then to come here and have Hardik [Pandya] captaining the side, it’s something I’m excited about as well.”