Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson announced his retirement from T20 International cricket on November 2nd, 2025. The 35-year-old confirmed that he would continue to wear the New Zealand senior jersey in One-Day Internationals and Tests, while playing abroad in franchise T20 leagues. Since his T20I debut in 2011, Williamson has gone on to play a total of 93 matches for the BlackCaps from which he has accumulated 2575 runs at an average of 33.44, including 18 half-centuries, with a high score of 95 runs in T20Is. Calm and consistent, he proudly led the team as one of New Zealand's most successful captains in this format. The BlackCaps under his command managed to go as far as the semi-finals in the ICC T20 World Cups of 2016 and 2022, apart from being runners-up in the 2021 edition. Now, he finishes his career as the second-highest run-scorer from New Zealand in this format. Now that Williamson has walked away from T20Is, all eyes are on the next generation of players who can take his place in the national squad. Here are three promising players who could be his T20I replacement for T20 World Cup 2026 and many more years with New Zealand. Also Read | New Zealand names T20I squad as Williamson exits format 3 Players Who Can Replace Kane Williamson in NZ's T20I Squad Matthew Boyle Already giving hints that he may eventually become a star for New Zealand; at 22 years Matthew Boyle has played 17 T20 matches. He has scored 440 runs in 16 innings at an average of almost 30, and with a very impressive strike rate of 146.66. Boyle recently finished top of the pile in the Super Smash with 377 runs amassed in just 11 innings; his attacking game and powerplay range promise an exciting option at the top of the New Zealand order. With consistent opportunities and some luck, Boyle could well turn out to be a top regular for New Zealand in T20s. Attractively compatible with modern T20s, his audacious striking is one highly desirable element of the format. Tim Robinson Another very likely candidate for filling Williamson's shoes is Tim Robinson, who has already played for New Zealand in 18 T20Is. The 26-year-old opening batter has a tally of 406 runs in 16 innings at an average of 31.23, with a century to his name -106 in runs - and two fifties. Robinson has the opportunity to be trusted with really dangerous batting on the top tier as he adapts his ability with the varying situations that come with match play. He has mixed strong technique with shrewd shot selection, improving with every game. If such consistent performances go on, Robinson will most likely be a valuable asset for the long term as the BlackCaps look to rebuild their T20 core considering Williamson's exit. Also Read | Kane Williamson steps down from T20I cricket; when will he play the next game? Katene Clarke Katene Clarke is still just 26, but he has proven to be one of the most exciting domestic batters around New Zealand. He has scored over 1054 runs at an average of 25.09 and a decent strike rate of 134.61 with one century and three fifties in 44 T20 games. Clarke's natural aggressive instincts coupled with rapid acceleration in his game make him a classic 'top-order' fit for the Kiwis. His style is exactly contemporary in terms of 'modern T20': aggressive, fearless, and live to adapt to any situation. With more match experience at the international level, Clarke may just become a regular part of New Zealand's T20I setup and maintain the team's aggressive intentions going forward.