AB De Villiers retires from all forms of cricket
The 37-year-old made the announcement on Twitter, ending a 17-year career, which saw him play in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the South Africans.
AB De Villiers, also called ABD, today announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, effectively ending his 10-year stint with the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bangalore
DeVilliers who had already retired from international cricket in 2018, joined RCB in 2011 and played for the team in 10 seasons.
The player amassed 4491 runs while playing 28 matches and has been instrumental in helping the team reach play-offs 5 times.
Speaking about his decision, AB de Villiers said, “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. 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.”
IPL records
Before moving to RCB in 2011, ABD played for Delhi Daredevils (DD) in the first 3 seasons and scored 671 runs for the team.
Besides scoring over 5000 runs in the IPL, de Villiers holds the record for the second and third highest individual scores in the IPL courtesy his knocks of 133 not out against Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 129 not out against Gujarat Lions in 2016. De Villiers is the second all-time leading run-scorer for RCB, behind Virat Kohli.
Indian Fandom
While playing for the two teams, ABD received a lot of love, appreciation and fandom from India.
The relationship is not one sided, as can be seen by ABD through his posts. The player while thanking the players, physios, coaches, etc. also said “I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played”.
The post shared by the cricketer and the statement made were filled with gratitude and humility, the characters which have made him a fan favourite all around the world. No matter which team one supports, everyone celebrates when their favourite ABD is on strike with his magical hands, which have the capability to turn around the game from any situation.
We all have had our favourites thrashed by Mr.360, but none of us blamed our favourites for it, we all celebrated cricket that day. While ABD was holding the bat, people forgot about their teams and watched cricket the way it is supposed to be seen, with the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood (as he had fans everywhere, EVERYWHERE).
He truly made cricket a gentleman’s game with his aplomb and character.
The “Limit”
You may end up raising your eyebrows when we tell you that Villiers is also equally adept at tennis and has been a recipient of a national medal from Nelson Mandela.
We can go on and on about the virtues of Superman of cricket (a nickname for the player as he can catch the ball anywhere in the field), but we have a limit as well just like the Legend himself.
Sadly, the limit of the legend or the flame of the Legend does not sparkle with the same intensity anymore.
“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.” Said ABD while justifying his decision.
But we all hope to see ABD don different caps for different roles like coaches, mentors and many more.