"He (McCullum) led by example and encouraged others also to do the same," Williamson said. © Getty
Life has come a full circle for Kane Williamson. After having made his Test debut against India five-and-a-half years ago, he will lead the national side for the first time in a World Cup in the same country. Despite the side being in good form over the last two years, Williamson has the massive task of ushering New Zealand into the post-Brendon McCullum era.
"We spend a huge amount of time in India. When I sit to think about the journey, there are a couple of things that I really find funny. The heroes you looked up to, you are playing alongside them - Sachin (Tendulkar) , (Rahul) Dravid, (VVS) Laxman. It is funny how things have evolved. It is great to be playing in this country. The Indian public has a lot of passion for the game," Williamson said, in a media session in Mumbai on Tuesday (March 8).
McCullum, the former wicketkeeper-batsman, bid adieu to cricket just before the World T20, leaving a gaping hole in the side. An influential and aggressive leader, McCullum's style and approach reflected in his captaincy, marking one of the finest eras of New Zealand cricket and certainly its most exciting.
While that brand of cricket helped New Zealand attain great success and capture the imagination of a lot fans so far, it will be interesting to see if Williamson, a largely contrasting personality, continues with the same philosophy or brings his own nature to the game.
A long-time deputy to McCullum, Williamson praised his former skipper, saying, "Brendon was very inspirational as a leader as a captain - how he carried himself on and off the field. It will be an exciting challenge (to lead the side in the World T20).
"The team has come a long way over the last three years, some players are young but they have played a lot of cricket. So there is a good mix of experience and youth as well. Most teams are built similarly. He has built a lot of leaders within the team. The change in leadership is a very small thing in the team. Looking forward to getting into the tournament and doing well," he added.
The New Zealand skipper said that the success over the last couple of years wasn't just because of the captain and the coach, but also because of every player who bought into their idea.
"He (McCullum) led by example and encouraged others also to do the same. He created a lot of leaders in the group. It is fit to say that how the guys bought into his and Mike Hesson's vision was equally important - Playing in the field and off the field, playing for one another, to be selfless cricketers and play for the benefit of the side"
"It is important that it continues. There is naturally a transition when you lose a player of the calibre of Brendon - not only as a player, but also as a leader. But that is a part of the game. It is a nature of what we do. You look to move on from what you have done so well."
Apart from being one of the finest captains in world cricket in recent times, McCullum was also one of the finest players in T20s. He announced retirement, to the surprise of many, just ahead of the World T20. Not only has it upset New Zealand's leadership, but also dented an otherwise terrifying batting unit.
"Everything that you do, comes to an end. Brendon's decision to retire is just the nature of it. He gave so much to the team when he was around and we are thankful for that. It is about the transition after losing your captain and a top-order batsman. It is a part and parcel of the game we play"
New Zealand, who have won only one International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament so far (2000 ICC Knockout Trophy), will open their World T20 campaign this year against India in Nagpur on March 15.
"India will be possibly the favourites for the tournament... it is important that we adapt. We've been playing good T20 cricket. We want to play smart. We have to adapt and we are aware of that."
"Every team comes in believing that they can win it. Every team is playing well. We will prepare our best and hopefully we will get a good start and carry on the momentum from there throughout the tournament."
On being asked whether they will play two spinner or rely on their pacers in the upcoming tournament, Williamson said, "You come to India and assume that the ball will spin on some surfaces. But it doesn't in some tracks. We will be looking at the pitches and deciding the combinations. we have got some young exciting spinners and hope to do well."
"Spin bowling will play a big part. But seam bowling will also play an important part. we have a couple of good seamers in our team. They are having niggles coming into the tournament, but they are all fit."
The captain also said that his side has shaped up well leading into the T20 World Cup. "We have come off a couple of Test matches. the nature of international cricket is such that you play three formats and it is packed. We have got a few of days off and then we play a couple of matches in Mumbai. Training has been going well. Guys have been hitting a few sixes. It's nice to see. Hopefully they do well in the matches as well. It's been a good build up."
He also believes that the players with Indian Premier league (IPL) experience can add massive value to the side in the upcoming tournament.
"There are a lot of players who have played IPL. It is important that they use this experience to play well. A lot of guys have also played alongside a lot of other international players. It will be a really tough tournament. Everything will be expecting that. That will make way for an exciting competition."
via- Cricbuzz
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