South African cricketer AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all cricket. One of the best batters of his generation, AB gave the news to his fans through a series of tweets.
“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,” the South African said.
“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. 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.”
“Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family – my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first. 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,” de Villiers tweeted.
The star cricketer played his last international match in April 2018, which was a Test against Australia in Johannesburg. His last ODI game for his home team, South Africa was against India at Centurion on February 16, 2018 while he last played for his country in 20-20 on October 29, 2017.
AB has not made an appearance for South Africa in over three years. However, he continued to showcase his talents in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. de Villiers had a great bond both on and off the field with Indian run-machine Virat Kohli.
The South African played 15 matches in IPL 2021, scoring 313 runs at an average of 31.30. He will end his IPL career with over 5,000 runs in the tournament among which 4491 are for RCB. He finishes his collaboration with RCB as the second highest run-getter for the team behind Virat Kohli.
“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,” AB said.
Further thanking his RCB family he said, “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.”
De Villiers is sixth in the list of all-time run-getters in the IPL with 5,162 runs in 184 matches at an average of 39.70. His strike-rate of 151.68 is best among the top 20 run-getters in the tournament.
