Among a host of virtues, Williamson brings class, consistency, and composure. He might be a natural-born Test batsman, but he has proved multiple times that he is an equally prolific but underrated white-ball batsman. In IPL, he averages just a shade under 40 while maintaining a strike rate of 134. Just to put that in perspective, Virat Kohli’s strike rate in the tournament is 130.
Like Kohli, he plays classical cricketing shots to fetch his runs, with minor technical adjustments like extending his bat a bit further when hitting through extra cover so that he gets the necessary elevation to clear the ropes. Or using more bottom hand in the flick, so that he gets more power. Of late, he has added a variety of sweeps too. The sort of subtle tweaks that only great batsmen can make.
Further, he also brings a certain amount of composure to the batting line-up, an important attribute especially when chasing. A true leader of the game, he could be the pillar around which more enterprising batsmen like David Warner and Jonny Bairstow could revolve around. Williamson’s assurance could only fill them with more confidence to play their natural, ultra-attacking game. He can enact multiple roles—aggressor when he wants to, architect as he likes to, or a finisher as he has exhibited several times for his country.
Nonetheless, Williamson is a grossly under-appreciated batsman in IPL, featuring as he has, in only 53 games across six seasons. Always an alternative rather than a certainty.
Kane Williamson also proved his importance in the game against Punjab Kings. After the wicket of David Warner, Williamson made a very safe partnership with Jonny Bairstow and this partnership plays a key role in the maiden victory of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2021.
