New Zealand cricket sensation Kane Williamson has joined the IPL 2025 in a new avatar. Despite not being picked by any team during the auction, Williamson is now a part of the commentary panel. Williamson is commenting for the first time, offering his extensive cricket knowledge to the broadcast team.

A New Venture in Commentary
Williamson is famous for his cool and calm nature on the pitch. His deep understanding of the game only makes him more valuable to the commentary team. The spectators are eager to hear his expert comments and analysis of matches.
One of the most fascinating things about his new position is his effort to commentate in Hindi. Despite Hindi not being his mother tongue, he is going the extra mile to learn and speak with Indian fans.

Kane Williamson's analysis in Hindi. 😀👌pic.twitter.com/YVfnHB7gFv

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 26, 2025

Learning Hindi with Harbhajan Singh
Some time back, a video went viral where New Zealand's Kane Williamson was being taught basic Hindi phrases by former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. The clip went viral overnight when Williamson's efforts to speak in Hindi were appreciated by the fans. It reflects his commitment to connecting with IPL's huge Hindi-speaking fan base.

ALSO READ:Watch: Swastik Chikara Talks About Virat Kohli & Casually Checks His Bag
Why This Move is Special
A New Perspective – Williamson's experience at the bat and as captain gives him a rich understanding of strategy, pitch, and player.
Connecting with Fans – His learning Hindi makes him a more endearing figure to Indian audiences.
A New Side of Williamson – He is accustomed to being perceived in a serious cricketing light. Now, the fans get to see his lighthearted and amusing side.

Here's something you didn't see coming, folks Kane Williamson is heading into the commentary box for IPL 2025!

Yes, you heard us right. The always-composed, always-classy Kiwi captain will now be offering his cricket acumen behind the microphone rather than with the bat. Having captained teams for years and delivering some of the most elegant innings we've ever witnessed, Kane is doing a change of things this season.

It's not yet certain whether this is a one-off performance or the beginning of a new chapter in his life, but one thing is certain his voice in the commentary box is going to be a treat. Picture those incisive comments, that witty sense of humor, and that soothing voice dissecting the mayhem of an IPL match. Pure gold.

ALSO SEE: Hasan Nawaz Hits Fastest T20I Century for Pakistan in Record Chase vs New Zealand

🚨 KANE WILLIAMSON AS COMMENTATOR 🚨

- Kane Williamson will be doing Commentary in this IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/IPSWIPBY4q

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 21, 2025

Fans are already abuzz about how much fun it'll be to hear his perspective on the game from the opposite side of the rope. One of the greatest cricketing brains in the world is about to give us a front-row view into the way he thinks about the game.

This IPL just became a whole lot more interesting.

New Zealand was dealt a huge setback as captain Kane Williamson was sent back at a critical phase of the game. The seasoned batter, who is famous for his ability to remain calm in pressure situations, tried to push the ball towards the leg side but instead chipped it straight back to Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep, being the quick-witted bowler that he is, took the catch with ease, sending Williamson to the pavilion for only 11 runs off 14 balls. This is a big breakthrough for India, as Williamson was supposed to steady New Zealand's innings.

ALSO SEE: Dinesh Lad Shares Rohit Sharma’s Winning Mindset Before Champions Trophy

KULDEEP GETS THE BIG FISH, KANE WILLIAMSON..!!!! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kNTgvu6vRo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2025

The celebrations of Virat Kohli & Kuldeep Yadav after Kane Williamson wicket. ❤️👌 pic.twitter.com/lAakhK9rPY

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

With their captain lost, New Zealand is left with an uphill battle to shore up their innings and score a fighting total. Viewers can watch the replay of Williamson's dismissal to learn how Kuldeep's intelligent bowling outwitted the star player.

Tomorrow is the most important day for both the nations India and New Zealand where these two countries would indulge in a final of Champions Trophy 2025. The match will be played in Dubai. The venue where India had played all their league matches including the semi-final. Though India has the upper hand in ODI matches against New Zealand when it comes to ICC tournaments it's vice versa. 

India might have been dominant force in the bilateral series but New Zealand has taken care where they need the most. Whom we consider the most incumbent customer becomes the most hardest at the highest level. New Zealand has given the most upset to India rather than Australia which is considered to be tuffest rival for India. 

Read More: Its Your Deeds Which Are More Important Says Shama Mohammad Backing Mohammad Shami On Ongoing Roza Issue

Most Tuffest Cricketers For their Country

If you go back and search in history we have got the most heartbreaks from the New Zealand. The stats clearly depicts that they have the upper hand in every ICC knockout out games. 

ICC Knockout Trophy (2000) 

New Zealand defeated India by 4 wickets with the help of Chris Cairns's century.

 ODI World Cup (2019)

Who can forget the run out of Ms Dhoni, a rain interepted match which had its twist and turns but at the end New Zealand won the match by 18 runs. 

ICC World Championship Trophy Final (2021) 

New Zealand won the emerging ICC World test championship final thanks to Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor crucial partnership which paved the victory for their maiden title. 

Read More: Williamson Can Be The Biggest Threat For India In Champions Trophy Final

Virat Kohli And Kane Williamson Statical Record In ICC Knockout Tournaments

Virat Kohli's ICC knockout tally against New Zealand

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter-Final: 24 runs (India won by 80 runs)

2014 ICC T20 World Cup Semi-Final: 1 run (India lost by 4 wickets)

2021 ICC World Test Championship Final: 44 runs (New Zealand won by 8 wickets)

2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final: 117 runs (India won by 4 wickets)

Total Runs in ICC Knockouts: 186 runs

Average: 46.5

Kane Williamson ICC Knockout Tally Against India

2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter-Final: 33 runs (New Zealand won by 1 wicket)

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final: 67 runs (New Zealand won by 18 runs)

2021 ICC World Test Championship Final: 52 runs (New Zealand won by 8 wickets)

2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final: 102 runs (New Zealand lost to India by 4 wickets)

Total Runs in ICC Knockouts: 254 runs

Average: 63.5

This shows Kane Williamson has the slightly upper hand in the battle with Kohli, though having a stellar career Kohli couldn't reflect much. 

Though looking at history New Zealand has the upper hand against India in every ICC Knockout game and tomorrow being the final both team has an equal advantage, both teams have played here, and both teams have quality players which is going to be an epic encounter. Will India break their jinks record against New Zealand its wait worth for a while

Kane Williamson has be a silent killer in this Champions trophy tournament, at league phase he was striking the ball well but he didn't prolong much. Against India in league phase Kane Williamson scored 81 runs where others were struggling that too in the tricky Dubai pitch. India were lucky at that time no further partnership were retained if any small partnership would have stand there then it would have been game end for India. 

New Zealand is the most balanced side in this tournament as earlier mentioned they have all sought of players who can retaliate in any situation and New Zealand too have the experience of playing in Dubai till now they have figured it out what would be their further strategy to have a good game against India. 

Williamson A Big Threat On Indian Cards

You would have been very familiar with Kane Williamson's batting he has all sorts of shots and timing, and the best of him is he plays according to the situation. Even in a match against India Kane had a calculated approach for the chase. He was picking the spinners well and targeting the fast bowlers in a spin track pitch, where the rest of his mates were trembling he was looking like a lone warrior fighting for his team. Luckily Chakravarthy dismissed him. What if he had spent few more time in the crease. 

Read more: Virat Kohli Suffers An Injury Scare Ahead Of Big Final Against New Zealand

It would have been game on for New Zealand, that is the type of aura Kane Williamson possesses. Against India in ICC tournaments Kane has crossed the 50-run score in each of his three outings in ICC ODI events. He played a match-winning knock of 67 runs in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup which India lost eventually while chasing, Against India he had the best average of 46.46 while batting first and while chasing he possessed an average of 44.25

Williamson Should Have An Early Exit

India has got beaten against New Zealand two times in 50 overs format one was the final of Champions Trophy 2000 and another one in 2019 World Cup semi final though it is world cup but we are talking about 50 overs game. New Zealand have dominated us whenever Williamson have scored for black caps. 

Read more: India May Drop Kuldeep Yadav Ahead Of Champions Trophy And May Acquire Their Secret Weapon

It's a need of urgency that we should get rid of Williamson as early as possible if he sticks then he may cause surreal damage like he caused to South Africa by his superb century. If you talk about pitch difference then the answer would be players like Williamson play according to the pitch his biggest strength is adaptation, he adapted to the current situation and plays according to it. That's why he is the most difficult customer to handle. 

South African player David Miller played a fantastic innings in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final but couldn’t take his team to win. Despite scoring a brilliant century, South Africa lost against New Zealand and was knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

Miller was frustrated with the ICC for the tight travel schedule. South Africa had to make a quick stop in Dubai before their semi-final in Lahore, which affected their preparation. After scoring an unbeaten 100 in South Africa’s 50-run loss while chasing 363, Miller openly criticized ICC for scheduling the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.

After New Zealand Confirmed their place in the final, David Miller and Kane Williamson shared a warm moment on the field. Williamson had just finished his media talk, while Miller was about to start. Even though it was another tough loss for South Africa in the semi-finals, Miller showed his sportsmanship by backing New Zealand to win the final against India.

"The way this tournament has been conducted hasn't been ideal for all the teams except India. I'll be supporting New Zealand in the Finals."

David Miller said pic.twitter.com/Yn68Q43SOh

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) March 6, 2025

"I’ll be honest with you. I think I’ll be supporting New Zealand. It’s only an hour-and-40-minute flight, but we had to do that after a game. We landed at 4 p.m., then had to fly back at 7:30 the next morning. It wasn’t ideal. It’s not like we had five hours to recover,” Miller told ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ: Brydon Carse Ruled Out of IPL 2025 as Wiaan Mulder Joins Sunrisers Hyderabad

Even though he was frustrated, Miller said that New Zealand played better on the day. His century, which he dedicated to his newborn son, was a proud moment, but he would have gladly given it up for a South African win. New Zealand made the most of the good conditions after winning the toss and set a big target of 363 runs in the semi-finals. New Zealand will now face India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9 Sunday.

For nearly a decade, cricket fans worldwide admired the legendary 'Fab Four': Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. These four players were the biggest faces in international cricket, across formats, for almost a decade, bombarding records with great consistency, technique, and leadership. However, as time passes, the once-invicible quartet is now showing signs of fading away, raising questions about the next era of cricketing greats.

The Fab Four In Tests
Test cricket has been the ultimate proving ground for these four marstros. Kohli's dominant captaincy and stroke play, Smith's unorthodox but very effective technique, Williamson's calmness, and Root's classical style make them a force to reckon with. However, with age comes a different team dynamic, slowly nearing the edge of this sheer joy. Though Root and Williamson continue to be key players for their teams, Smith and Kohli have, in more recent years, struggled to provide that consistency.

The Fab Four In ODIs
The Image in below post a noticeable shift - Smith has turned black and white, suggesting that he is no longer capable of using his own skills. While modern-day cricket embraces power-hitting and aggressive strike rates, the dominance of the Fab Four in ODIs has been challenged by rising stars such as Babar Azam and Shubman Gill. While Kohli is still as formidable as ever, his role continues to evolve, while Williamson and Root seem to be throwing in the towel and unable to maintain their high standards in ODIs.

The Fab-four are fading away 😢 pic.twitter.com/4bWDFpsdDP

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Also Read : IPL 2025 ticket updates: booking, availability & official partners

The T20I Scenario of the Fab Four 
If there is one thing to take away from this image of T20 cricket, it is that the influential players of the format—Captain Kohli, Captain Smith, and Captain Root—all have reduced influences on T20. Power hitters and batting with a focus on the strike rate have largely edged out these players. Even though Williamson is hailed as an astute captain, he has not been hitting it big in terms of strike rates. As for Root, he has rarely made an appearance on the T20I stage.

The Future of the Fab Four 
Now as the Fab Four slowly dissolve, they leave behind unanswered questions: who will be winning these winks instead? Enter Babar Azam, Marnus Labuschagne, and Shubman Gill, who are already making their presence felt. But Kohli, Smith, Williamson, and Root will be an impossible feat to replicate. Cricket is in a state of transition.

Although the Fab Four show every sign of no longer being in their prime, their endeavors have forever inscribed them into history. Whether they will have a second innings or leave the scene gracefully will still play out. For now, it is the fans who can only turn back the pages of history and reminisce about the golden age they created.

New Zealand claimed a big win against South Africa in the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to reach their third Champions Trophy Final. 

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosted the second Semi-final match on Wednesday (March 5), where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bat first after winning the toss. While New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs, the record total in the tournament history, South Africa replied with 312/9 in 50 overs. 

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored 100s; Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips produced valuable 49s

While the Kiwi opener Will Young scored 21 runs, and he had a 48-run opening partnership with Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra and Kane Williamson set the big total tone with a 164-run partnership for the second wicket. While Ravindra recorded his fifth ODI century in 93 balls, Williamson recorded his 15th ODI century in 91 balls. Ravindra fell after scoring 108 off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six, while Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

In the late moment, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips fired the Proteas bowlers to add significant quick runs. Mitchell and Phillips had a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket in just five overs. While Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls (four fours and one six), Phillips ended the innings with 49 not out in 27 balls (six fours and one six). 

Among the South African bowlers, Lungi Ngidi (3/72) took three wickets and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) picked up two wickets. However, in the last powerplay, the Proteas bowlers conceded 110 runs.

David Miller's tournament's fastest century record was too late for South Africa

In reply, after the opener Ryan Rickelton (17) lost his wicket early, his opening partner and the captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen set a solid partnership of 105-run for the second wicket. However, their partnership took enough balls as the next dangerous batters couldn't handle the required run rate pressures. Also, Blackcaps spinners simply bowled well to take regular wickets which put the Proteas away from the game.

While Bavuma was dismissed for 56 off 71 balls (four fours and one six), Van de Dussen scored 69 off 66 balls (four fours and two sixes). The next two key batters, Aiden Markram (31) and Heinrich Klaasen (3) failed in the chasing, while David Miller's single-handed battle till the end wasn't enough for the Proteas.

At the end of the 40 overs, South Africa were struggling at 223/8. While there was no hope for the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy champions, Miller still tried his best to take the game as close as possible. After scoring his first 50 runs in 46 balls, the 35-year-old left-handed middle-order batter completed his century in 67 balls, which set a new record for the fastest century in the tournament history. Miller remained not out for 100 off 67 balls (10 fours and four sixes).

New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for taking one wicket (1/20) and two more catches along with the most valuable century. Captain Mitchell Santner (3/43), Matt Henry (2/43), Glenn Phillips (2/27) and Michael Bracewell (1/53) managed to take important wickets in the match.   

See Also: Will India Take Up The Revenge Of 2000 Champions Trophy Final Loss

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs New Zealand match in the Final

On Sunday (March 9), India and New Zealand will face each other in the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson broke several records in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore. Their titanic 164-run partnership is now the Black Caps' all-time highest-ever stand in the history of the tournament.

Both the centurions are back in the hut. New Zealand are 252/3 after 40 overs.

📸: JioStar pic.twitter.com/uOalYeMsUb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Both the batsmen also scored centuries, playing key roles in helping New Zealand to a huge total of 362 runs.

Ravindra's Century and Record-Breaking Stand

Ravindra was the key to this record-breaking alliance, hitting an unbelievable 108 off 101 deliveries. His innings were laced with classy shots and elegant shot-making before he was dismissed in the 34th over. Kagiso Rabada got rid of him with a wide off-cutter, which brought about an edge, that Heinrich Klaasen glove-slid behind the stumps safely.

Williamson Completes His Ton After Ravindra’s Departure

Williamson came in to join Ravindra quite early in the innings after Will Young was dismissed within the initial 10 overs. The pair took the Kiwis beyond the 210-run mark, keeping the South African bowlers on their toes.
Whereas Ravindra batted with ferocity, Williamson kept the scoreboard ticking through well-timed singles and strategic boundary hits. After Ravindra got out, Williamson batted on smoothly with Daryl Mitchell.

ALSO SEE: We will play fearless cricket says Pakistan New T20 captain Salman Ali Aga

He completed his century in the 40th over, reaching it in 91 balls. His innings, though, came to an end at 102 off 94 balls when he tried a scoop shot off Wiaan Mulder but could not get a clean connection. His elegant knock contained 10 fours and 2 sixes.

A Record-Breaking Partnership

The 164-run stand between Williamson and Ravindra is now the highest by a New Zealand pair in Champions Trophy history. According to Cricbuzz, the earlier record was a 163-run partnership between Scott Styris and Nathan Astle against the USA at The Oval in 2004.

Two players scoring centuries in the same innings in ICC knockouts

S Watson & R Ponting vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2009 CT SF
T Dilshan & U Tharanga vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2011 WC QF
T Head & S Smith vs 🇮🇳, 2023 WTC Final
V Kohli & S Iyer vs 🇳🇿, 2023 WC SF
R Ravindra & K Williamson vs 🇿🇦, 2025 CT SF… pic.twitter.com/U0iSnghg96

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Moreover, Ravindra and Williamson are also the new record holders of the highest partnership against South Africa in the tournament. The old record was also 163, which was held by England's Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah in 2009.

Massive Feats for the Duo

Ravindra was the first New Zealand cricketer to make more than one century in a single Champions Trophy season. Williamson later joined him in the exclusive club of NZ batsmen with more than one Champions Trophy hundred overall.

Ravindra has now achieved the second-lowest number of innings to reach five ODI centuries for New Zealand, as per Cricbuzz. Only Devon Conway has done it quicker, reaching the mark in 22 innings.

At the same time, Williamson is currently second on the list of New Zealand batsmen with the most ODI centuries against one team. He trails Nathan Astle (five against India) and Ross Taylor (five against England).

Thanks to their record-breaking innings, Ravindra and Williamson have secured their position in New Zealand cricket history, leading their side to a strong total in a high-pressure semi-final.

In the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs, and it was the record total in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.

On Wednesday (March 5), New Zealand and South Africa are facing each other in the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With the help of twin centuries, New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs. It is the new record for the highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. 

During the group stage match of this tournament between England and Australia in Lahore, England became the first team in the tournament history to score 350+ runs (351/8) after breaking New Zealand's 20-year-old record for the highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. In that same Group B match between England and Australia, Australia chased down the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets as they scored 356/5. Now, New Zealand have set up a new highest total record in the competition history. 

See Also: Rohit Sharma Becomes The First Captain To Reach The Finals Of All ICC Tournaments

Highest totals in ICC Champions Trophy history

Also, New Zealand's 362/6 became the second highest total in the last four stages (knockout stages) of any ICC ODI tournaments. The record is India's 397/4 against New Zealand in the Semi-final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. 

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries

In the total of 362/6 in 50 overs, opener Rachin Ravindra and former skipper Kane Williamson hit centuries. Ravindra scored 108 off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six and Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. Also, Daryl Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls (four fours and one six) and Glenn Phillips scored 49 not out off 27 balls with six fours and one six.