India, June 12 -- Virat Kohli has paid tribute to Kane Williamson following the New Zealand great's retirement from international cricket. The two have shared a close bond throughout their careers and are often seen exchanging words on the field whenever India and New Zealand meet. Their journeys at the highest level began around the same time, with the pair first crossing paths at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, where Kohli captained India to the title. Over the years, they went on to become two of the leading batters of their generation and key members of cricket's celebrated Fab Four.

Williamson's announcement brings the curtain down on a distinguished 16-year international career during which he represented New Zealand in 378 matches an...