Cricket fans were taken by shock when Kane Williamson shared his list of all-time greatest Test players. The New Zealand legend did not include Virat Kohli, who only recently ended his Test career.
Williamson named Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Kumar Sangakkara in his dream list.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Who did Kane Williamson name in his all-time Test XI?
Williamson’s four picks are players with outstanding records. Don Bradman, the Australian icon, finished with a mind-blowing average of 99.94 in 52 Tests.
Sachin Tendulkar, India’s “Little Master,” collected over 15,000 Test runs and still stands at the top of the run charts.
Jacques Kallis added rare balance with both bat and ball, crossing 13,000 runs and nearly 300 wickets. Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka’s elegant left-hander, scored over 12,000 runs.
For many fans, the names make sense. Still, the surprise came because Kohli, a modern-day giant, didn’t find a place.
MORE: BCCI to push for ACC president Naqvi's impeachment - Report
What makes Virat Kohli’s Test record special?
Kohli retired at the age of 36 with 9,230 Test runs in 123 matches. His average of 46.85 came with 30 centuries and 31 fifties
. At home, he was nearly unstoppable with an average above 55, while overseas he still managed close to 41.
Among Indians, he stands fourth on the all-time run chart, only behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Beyond numbers, Kohli’s leadership changed India’s Test cricket. He won 40 matches as captain out of 68, which remains one of the best records by an Indian leader.
That’s why fans feel his absence in Williamson’s list hurts even more. For many, his career is proof that he belongs in the same breath as the legends.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 odds, winners list, favourites to win, schedule and results
- ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- How to bet online on cricket in India and the most trusted site
- All the latest cricket news
- All betting tips and predictions