Kane Williamson’s recent words about his friendship with Virat Kohli struck a chord online.
His heartfelt reflection, where he called their bond a “parallel line” dating back to Under-19 days, is gaining traction across cricket-loving audiences.
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It’s a rare glimpse into the enduring off-field connection between two modern-day legends who have often competed but always shared mutual respect.
How did Kane Williamson’s and Virat Kohli’s friendship begin and evolve?
Williamson and Kohli first crossed paths at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. While Kohli led India to the title, and Williamson captained New Zealand, the seeds of a lasting friendship were planted amidst competition
Williamson has since described their relationship as “deeper than a game of cricket,” rooted in shared experiences and mutual admiration.
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What did Williamson say about Kohli recently?
In a reflective note, Williamson said:
“My friendship with Virat Kohli goes back a long way. There is some sort of connection where in some aspects we are in a different world operating on a parallel line back from U-19 days.”
Even amid fierce competition, Williamson sees Kohli not just as a rival but as a kindred spirit with whom he shares a strong personal bond.
Their camaraderie has remained solid over the years, even as Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier this year. Williamson praised Kohli as the “greatest all-format player” of the past 15 years.
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The affection runs both ways: after India beat New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, Kohli expressed heartfelt empathy for Williamson, saying "only love between us" despite being on opposing sides