India, June 12 -- Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year career. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest-ever cricketers, the 35-year-old leaves the game as the country's highest run-scorer across formats. Williamson amassed 19,346 international runs, including 48 centuries and six double hundreds, while earning admiration worldwide for his consistency, composure and leadership.

His finest moment as captain came in 2021 when he guided New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship, securing the nation's first major ICC world title. A modern-day batting great, Williamson's legacy extends beyond numbers,...