Former South African batter AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
De Villiers last played for South Africa in April 2018 when the Proteas locked horns with Australia at Johannesburg. “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly,” De Villiers tweeted.
De Villiers last game in the limited-overs format for South Africa came on February 16, 2018, against India. The swashbuckling batter has been playing franchise cricket and was a key member in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and he featured 184 IPL games.
De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for South Africa. The former South African batter featured in 340 T20 games for different teams across the globe.
De Villiers, who on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, said that arriving at the decision took a lot of time. He also said leaving the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) family is “extremely bittersweet” and thanked Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches and support staff for all the support. “I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family,” said De Villiers in a statement by RCB.
“I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years. It has been a memorable journey with RCB.”
“Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for the lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever,” he added.
The decorated South Africa batter, who began his RCB career in 2011, enjoyed 10 seasons, being a crucial part of 5 playoff runs in his time.
RCB said De Villiers has made immense contributions for the side and will go down as one of the greatest players in the team’s illustrious history.
“AB de Villiers has been among the best ambassadors of the game, and we are honoured to have him represent RCB in the IPL. His work ethics have been impeccable, which has not only rubbed off on the team, but has left a high benchmark for other youngsters to follow,” said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of RCB.
“AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for his tireless commitment in helping RCB establish itself as one of the premier franchises in the IPL.
“We wish AB all the best for his next innings in life. He will always be part of the RCB family,” he added.
AB de Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. He is the second all-time leading run-scorer behind Kohli and holds the second and third-highest individual run total in RCB history with 133* against Mumbai Indians (in 2015) and 129* against Gujarat Lions (in 2016).
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli on Friday termed AB de Villiers as the most “inspirational” person he has met in his life.
Kohli, his RCB teammate said the bond between the two cricketers is “beyond the game and will always be.” “To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I’ve met, you can be very proud of what you’ve done and what you’ve given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be,” Kohli tweeted. “This hurts my heart but I know you’ve made the best decision for yourself and your family like you’ve always done. I love you,” he added.
Former South Africa skipper Faf Du Plessis congratulated De Villiers on a “special career” and termed him the “greatest player” he has ever played with. “Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with,” Du Plessis tweeted.
India batter Shikhar Dhawan also lauded the “wonderful athlete” and wished him luck for future endeavours.
“Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17. A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you,” Dhawan tweeted.
Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan on Friday termed AB de Villiers’ retirement as a ‘relief’ to him and all the other bowlers. De Villiers, the former South African batter announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
“Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers. Thank you soo much for the great memories and for inspiring soo many of youngsters including me. We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17,” Rashid Khan tweeted. Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also posted a picture of the South African legend and called him the most ‘admired’ and ‘loved’ cricketer of the modern era. “Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ABdeVilliers17. One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era. Happy retirement legend. #ThankYouAB,” Wasim Jaffer tweeted.