SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKETER AB de Villiers took to social media Friday to announce his retirement from all forms of the game.
The former South African captain tweeted from his official Twitter handle: “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.
“That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time.
“Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful.”
de Villiers’ announcement effectively ends his association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore Indian Premier League franchise as well.
The decorated South Africa batsman, who began his RCB career in 2011, enjoyed 10 seasons, being a crucial part of 5 Playoff runs in his time. de Villiers has made immense contributions to RCB and will go down as one of the greatest players in the team’s illustrious history.
Speaking about his decision, 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. 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.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman, RCB, said: “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. 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.”
AB de Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. He is the second all-time leading run scorer behind Virat 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).
Having made his international debut in 2004, AB de Villiers represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is. Across formats, he amassed 20014 runs, averaging more than 50 in both Tests and ODIs. He retired from international cricket in May 2018.
Under the leadership of de Villiers, South Africa made it to the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia but lost in a thriller to New Zealand.
Amongst the several personal accolades achieved throughout his illustrious career, de Villiers holds the joint record for the most ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year awards won. He won it thrice – in years 2010, 2014, 2015 – and is now tied with Virat Kohli.
In the ICC Awards of the Decade last year, he was nominated for Sir Garfield Sobers Award for Male Cricketer of the Decade as well as the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade.
He had a successful T20 career, playing 340 matches and scoring 9424 runs at a strike-rate of 150.13.
