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McCullum backs Williamson to be NZ's best

Black Caps captain believes the rigors of the IPL won't adversely affect his No.3

Brendon McCullum says Kane Williamson will become New Zealand's finest ever batsman and won't be derailed by the excesses of the Indian Premier League.

McCullum echoed the recent sentiment of former great Martin Crowe, who said Williamson will surpass Black Caps run-scoring records at all levels of the international game.

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Before then, McCullum wants the 24-year-old to be a key cog in their World Cup campaign.

"Kane's a phenomenal talent. I believe he will go down as our greatest ever batter," McCullum said.

"It's scary to think how good he could be in years to come. I wouldn't change him for anyone in the world at No.3."

Williamson's composure at such a young age is what impresses McCullum most.

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Could Williamson become the best ever Black Caps batsman? // Getty Images

In 2014 he became the first New Zealander to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year.

And in his last 17 one-day internationals he has passed 50 on 13 occasions.

While his Test average (45.96) sits just below three of the world's premier young batsmen - Indian Virat Kohli, Australian Steve Smith and England's Joe Root - his ODI average (46.46) is only headed by 26-year-old Kohli.

"I don't want to put added pressure on Kane but what we're seeing at the moment is a guy who is incredibly comfortable with his game," McCullum said.

Williamson has registered for this year's IPL for the first time, with his services going under the hammer at Monday's player auction.

Critics of the glitzy Twenty20 league say it harms pure batting techniques of players such as Williamson.

However, IPL veteran McCullum has no qualms if his teammate picks up a contract.

"The level-headed guy that he is, he will see the learning opportunities in it.

"Which is great from our point of view."