Williamson: How the first Fab 4 member to bow out stacked up against Kohli, Root & Smith

For years, the Fab Four debate searched endlessly for a winner. As Kane Williamson becomes the first member of the quartet to retire, this is not a ranking but a reflection. Amid Kohli’s intensity, Smith’s absurdity and Root’s volume, Williamson quietly went about his business. From match-winning runs and captaincy highs to carrying the heaviest individual load, the New Zealander built a career defined by greatness without the noise. For years, the Fab Four debate searched endlessly for a winner. As Kane Williamson becomes the first member of the quartet to retire, this is not a ranking but a reflection. Amid Kohli’s intensity, Smith’s absurdity and Root’s volume, Williamson quietly went about his business. From match-winning runs and captaincy highs to carrying the heaviest individual load, the New Zealander built a career defined by greatness without the noise.