Cricket / We are mates: Williamson after pic of him hugging Kohli after WTC final goes viral

Cricket Desk: A picture of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson sharing a hug with Indian skipper Virat Kohli post the conclusion of the World Test Championship (WTC) final had gone viral on social media last week. The two captains, who share great camaraderie with each other were seen embracing each other in what became one of the highlights of the final as their gesture redefined the spirit of cricket.

India and New Zealand booked a spot in the WTC final as the two top teams in the group stages of the competition. Both teams were looking to bring an end to their long-standing ICC trophy drought but it was New Zealand who managed to emerge on top after outclassing Kohli & Co. on the reserve day of the final. 

Kohli and Williamson, who have known each other since their U-19 days, shared a warm hug after the final. Williamson said he has known Kohli for a long time and that both are mates as he opened up on the heartwarming moment.

"Virat and I have known each other for a long time and we are mates. It's always a great part of sports as you get the opportunity to meet people all around the world and form different friendships," Williamson told India Today.

"Different experiences that you have either together or against each other. And often you find a bit of common ground and share a few common interests," the New Zealand skipper added.

The WTC final was a rain-marred affair with both India and New Zealand giving each other a tough fight over the course of the summit clash. The final headed into the reserve sixth day after two days were completely washed out due to rain. Ahead of the reserve day, the contest was well set up for both teams with all three results possible.

However, New Zealand bowlers hit the ground running right from the first session and bundled out India cheaply for 170 runs in their second innings before Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor combined to chase down the target of 139 runs comfortably in the last hour of the reserve day to help the Kiwis clinch the Test mace.