New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson was given the go-ahead to lead the Kiwis in all the forms of the game. This decision was taken after destructive batsman Brendon McCullum hung up his boots before the ICC World T20 2016.
Williamson recently displayed his captaincy credentials after guiding the Black Caps to the semi-finals of the World T20, before losing to England. His magnificent utilization of spin on the Indian pitches exhibited bold leadership, similar to his predecessor Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand chief executive David White said, “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain. He's respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain.
”Kane Williamson confirmed as the 34th captain to skipper the BLACKCAPS:
https://t.co/vzG5Gy1Ocj#CaptainKanepic.twitter.com/SrvApplXDo
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS)April 28, 2016
Currently, Williamson is a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad squad in IPL, but hasn't been able to play in any of the matches so far owing to an injury. The 25-year old who intend to follow McCullum’s footsteps, said, “It's certainly an honour... (I) believe this team can achieve a lot.
”Williamson has led New Zealand in several T20s and ODIs before also. Hence, coach Mike Hesson refused to agree captaincy duties could affect his batting. Hesson said, “He's got that ability to go into his little bubble when he bats and hopefully we can keep that.
”The right-handed batsman is a vital cog in the Kiwi batting line up and late Martin Crowe considered him as the potent cricketer to succeed him as the greatest New Zealand batsman. Till date, Kane has played 48 Tests, scoring 4037 runs with his best being an unbeaten 242 which paved a famous comeback win over Sri Lanka.
The Kiwis are set to tour Zimbabwe and South Africa in August this year.
