Vettori believes Williamson primed to take captaincy reins

New Zealand spin great Daniel Vettori has tipped Kane Williamson to succeed retiring Brendon McCullum in all three formats of the game, insisting that the star batsman would take his country's cricket to great heights.

Williamson was named as the skipper of his national side for next year's World T20 in India after McCullum decided to call curtains on his glorious career following the conclusion of the two-Test series against Australia in February.

Williamson, who recently became the number one Test batsman, is considered as the front-runner to take on the leadership role in all three forms of the game and Vettori opined that the 25-year-old is fully prepared to take on the mantle of captaincy.

"Knowing the inner machinations of the team, (McCullum) will feel that Kane is ready to step up into the role," Vettori was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Tuesday.

"He's got good leaders around him, like Tim Southee, so I think the team is in good hands. If Kane feels like it's the right time to step in and take over that mantle then he'll do a wonderful job," the 36-year-old added.

Vettori also expressed that he was pleased for McCullum, saying that his former teammate's retirement should be a time of celebration.