AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, putting an end to a 17-year-career full of 360° shots and Superman-like antics on the field. In a statement on Twitter he said, “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.”
“Ever since the backyard 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.”
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The Royal Challengers Bangalore mainstay thanked his family, adding that he looks forward to the next chapter of their lives.
“I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.”
Amoung several other players, India Test captain Virat Kohli, who has been playing alongside De Villiers, for RCB, since 2011, wrote an heartfelt message for the South African star.
“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.
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AB de Villers, after making his international debut in 2004, dominated all formats of the game. After 2010, the Portea has scored plethora runs at rapid pace. He also stepped in for Graeme Smith to lead South Africa.
While he could not win an ICC trophy or an IPL title in his career, De Villiers leaves the game after scoring over 20,000 international runs across formats, including 47 centuries and 109 half-centuries.
Here is a look at some of AB de Villiers’ records:
1) 360° averages 63.52 in 50-over World Cups, most among batters who played at least 20 matches in the tournament.
2) He has hit the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI cricket.
3) De Villiers’ 20014 international runs is the second-highest for any South African player.
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4) He is one among the nine batters to smash three consecutive ODI centuries.
5) ABD smashed half-centuries in 12 consecutive Test matches.
6) He has effected joint-most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test match (11).
7) De Villiers has played most innings before bagging his first duck in Test cricket.
8) The RCB mainstay holds the record of hitting second-most sixes (16) in an ODI innings.
