New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has responded to the captaincy concerns which were raised against him after his team’s 3-0 defeat against Australia in the Test series.

New Zealand is set to face India in a series of 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Tests. The first T20I will be played on Friday, January 24, and the tour will last till the 2^nd Test which is set to start from 29 February.

Kane Williamson said that he enjoys captaincy but he is willing to give it up if it is for the good of the team. Williamson said: “For me, it’s always been about what’s best for the team. If those discussions (about captaincy changes) are to eventuate and collectively there’s a thought that it would be best for the team, then my stance is whatever is right and fits the group.”

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“I’m always open to whatever is going to help move the team in those directions,” he said. “Without a doubt, there are a number of challenges that come throughout that period that you’ve been in the job.

“I’ve been in it for some time now and you are forever dealing with those challenges and that’ll always be a bit different. It’s part and parcel of the job, but for me, the focus is very much trying to help the team to grow and move in the right direction. That’s been the focus from day one”

Indian Skipper Virat Kohli also speaks in favor of Kane Williamson:

Virat Kohli has spoken words of support for Kane Williamson during his press conference in Auckland. He said that Williamson has both the respect and the trust of his teammates and has done wonderfully well in bringing the team together.

Virat Kohli said: “I don’t think leadership can always be determined by the results,” Kohli said at his arrival press conference in Auckland. “It’s also about how you get the team together and get the guys functioning under you as well, which Kane has done wonderfully well. I think he has the respect of his teammates and he has the trust of his teammates, that is what I can see.”

He also said that Williamson should be given some space to figure it out himself if he wants to continue to lead or wants someone fresh to take over in his place.

Virat said: “And he is obviously a very, very smart cricketer. But if a team outplays you, you have to accept it as a collective failure, and not necessarily a lack of leadership or captaincy. I don’t think it’s fair to pressurize him.

“It’s only fair that he is given space to sort of figure out himself whether he wants to continue or he wants someone fresh to take over because I’m sure he is thinking in the best interest of New Zealand cricket and the team as well.

“He has taken the team to the finals and as much as I know him, he reads the game very well. I think it should be left up to the guy who is most responsible for the team to take that decision and I’m sure that his heart and mind are in the right place.”