With the Champions Trophy imminent, cricket fans are looking forward to the return of some of the sport’s biggest stars. This year’s edition of the high-profile tournament promises intense confrontations, as eight of the world’s best teams fight for supremacy. The tournament begins on February 19 with an electrifying encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand. While Pakistan will have a home advantage and vociferous local support, the Kiwis also have a number of world-class players who can turn the tables in their favour.
One of these players to keep an eye on is Kane Williamson, a contemporary great and the rock of New Zealand’s batting order. A master of strokeplay and calm temperament, Williamson has become one of the most dependable batters in international cricket. His capability to anchor innings, switch strikes with ease, and boost the tempo as required makes him a vital piece of property for the BlackCaps.
His leadership skills and sporting attitude towards the game have impressed fans and other cricketers alike. But Williamson made the news recently for something more than his field performances. A video doing the rounds on social media finds the 34-year-old in a rather unusual persona—attired in a classic white dhoti and footwear.
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The appearance of the otherwise demure New Zealand captain thus caught everyone off guard, and fans and followers alike wondered and marvelled across the boards. On the cricketing side, Williamson’s numbers tell a tale of his consistency. In 168 ODIs, he has scored 7,035 runs at a brilliant average of 49.54, which is the fifth-highest run-scorer for New Zealand behind legends such as Ross Taylor, Stephen Fleming, Martin Guptill, and Nathan Astle.
Kane Williamson in dhoti (Lungi). pic.twitter.com/bYdHLsSbVF
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) February 15, 2025
His knack of holding together innings in crisis situations has been the key to his team’s success over the years. His recent form is no less dazzling. During the tri-series series against Pakistan and South Africa, Williamson was sublime in touch, topping New Zealand’s run-chart. He scored 225 runs from just three matches at an otherworldly average of 112.50, which came with a perfectly compiled half-century and an authoritative century.
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This phenomenal string of form will prove to be a key to New Zealand as they look to go deep into the Champions Trophy. With his experience, calm head, and knack of coming up to the occasion, Williamson is still the linchpin of New Zealand’s campaign. Be it through his captaincy, batting skill, or off-field surprises, he keeps captivating the imagination of cricket fans all over the globe.
