Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has weighed in on Kane Williamson’s future, offering insights into the career trajectory of one of the country’s greatest cricketers.
How Long Will Williamson Continue?
Williamson remains a key player for New Zealand across all three formats, but as he balances international commitments with an increasing workload, speculation about his longevity continues to grow. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Southee acknowledged that time will ultimately decide how long Williamson stays at the top. However, he believes New Zealand Cricket will do everything possible to manage his schedule and keep him fresh for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“He’s still playing all three formats and has a county contract in the UK for the winter, which shows he still has the hunger to play. Time will tell, but with the One-Day World Cup two years away, I think New Zealand Cricket will do everything they can to keep him fresh and available. He’s still reasonably young at 34, but you never quite know with Kane,” Southee said.
Williamson’s Champions Trophy 2025 Performance and ODI Legacy
Despite ongoing injury setbacks, Williamson once again proved his class in the 2025 Champions Trophy, leading New Zealand to yet another ICC final. He scored 189 runs at an average of 47.25 and a strike rate of 85.91, reaffirming his reliability on the big stage.
Since his ODI debut in 2010, Williamson has been New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in the format, playing pivotal roles in multiple ICC events. However, with the next 50-over World Cup still two years away, questions remain about whether he will extend his ODI career or step away before then.
IPL 2025 Snub: A Shift in Williamson’s T20 Career?
One of the biggest surprises of the IPL 2025 mega auction was Williamson going unsold. Despite his experience and leadership, no franchise picked him up, signaling a shift in T20 team dynamics.
Previously with Gujarat Titans, Williamson was released ahead of the auction. His absence from the IPL suggests that teams are prioritizing younger, more aggressive T20 players over traditional anchors like him.
Rachin Ravindra surpasses Kane Williamson to become the first NZ batter to achieve this milestone
What’s Next for Williamson?
Although Williamson remains committed to international cricket, he is also expanding his presence in franchise and county cricket. He recently signed a two-year deal with Middlesex, committing to both the T20 Blast and County Championship. Additionally, he will feature for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), hinting at a gradual transition towards a post-international career.
For now, his focus remains on New Zealand cricket, but whether he will still be around for the 2027 World Cup remains an open question.
