Following New Zealand's unexpected exit from the T20 World Cup, captain Kane Williamson expressed uncertainty about his future in T20Is and his participation in the 2026 edition of the tournament. Williamson, known for his pivotal role as New Zealand's batting mainstay across formats, has led the BlackCaps in multiple ICC tournaments, including three finals.
Reflecting on their campaign, Williamson acknowledged the disappointment of not progressing to the semifinals for the first time in a decade. New Zealand ended their tournament with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea, but their earlier losses to Afghanistan and West Indies sealed their fate in the group stage.
Williamson highlighted the challenges of adapting to the conditions in the Caribbean, which posed difficulties for batsmen throughout the tournament. Despite the setbacks, he emphasised the value of these experiences for the team's development, particularly in learning to navigate unfamiliar conditions.
Looking ahead, Williamson indicated that New Zealand will focus on red-ball cricket in the coming year, with decisions about his T20I future and the team's strategy for future ICC events yet to be determined. The captain's non-committal stance regarding his participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup leaves room for speculation about potential changes in leadership or player dynamics within the New Zealand setup.