Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has left the entire cricketing world in shock with his latest announcement as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. Notably, the veteran batsman had already announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018.
AB de Villiers took to his social media and announced his decision. He wrote: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
However, he has been a regular face in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) throughout the years, playing 184 matches, and amassing 5162 runs which came at an average of 39.1. He even scored three centuries also.
AB de Villiers said in an RCB release: “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 contemplating, 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,” he concluded.
Here is how Twitterati reacted:
Absolutely loved watching @ABdeVilliers17 play the game .. You could argue across all formats that he was as good on the eye of anyone who has played the game .. #ABDevilliers #Legend
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ABdeVilliers17 👏🏼 One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era. Happy retirement legend. #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/1CNOiVfHte
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 19, 2021
It's been a legendary journey gentleman. Here's to the best days ahead of us.. congrats on a sterling career @ABdeVilliers17 just a chilled day in the Caribbean sitting between 2 GOATS 🐐 of the game.. privileged to have shared the field with them🙏 @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/HKfUfztj4b
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) November 19, 2021
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on an outstanding career and thank you for showing how to evolve and add new dimensions to one’s skill set! I believe someone who can come close to you in the years to come will be @surya_14kumar, the onus is on you fella 👍
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) November 19, 2021
All the best champion in your second innings. We thoroughly enjoyed your batting exploits over the years sometimes at the receiving end but what a career! Truly inspirational and path breaking. Happy retirement #legend !
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 19, 2021
Ab De Villiers is the most loved foreign cricketer ever in India. Still remember that ABD ABD chant at Wankhede. I don't think anyone comes close to him.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 19, 2021
Love you AB de Villiers. Every single day of my life, in every single form that you’ve donned pic.twitter.com/lboAVBM94a
— Sritama (Ross Taylor’s version) (@cricketpun_duh) November 19, 2021
This very random screenshot probably says a LOT about AB de Villiers the batter.
The ball is out of the bowler's hand and AB still has almost all options open. INSANE.
Guess what shot he played.#ABdeVilliers pic.twitter.com/AchXmBxvV3
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 19, 2021
Not seeing AB De Villiers from IPL 2022 won't disappoint me that much, neither realising that there will be no AB to rescue RCB and take them to a win in crunch games. The thing will disappoint me the most is AB retiring without an IPL trophy to his name, he gave his everything.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 19, 2021
AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket.His ability to hit the shots all round the ground made him special.Has played innumerable innings which no one else could across formats. One of the most versatile batters to play cricket
Best wishes for everything @ABdeVilliers17— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 19, 2021
South African legend AB de Villiers has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. He has featured in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs & 78 T20Is for the Proteas.
"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket," De Villiers said a in statement.
— Tahir Ibn Manzoor (@TahirIbnManzoor) November 19, 2021
From whatever IPL I've seen, after the incomparable "Saaachiiin, Sachin…" chant at the Wankhede, the second-most popular one has to be "ABD… ABD…" at Chinnaswamy.
Bangalore's love for AB DeVilliers has been all-encompassing. The city is going to miss him big.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) November 19, 2021
Watching AB + Kohli since 2011 up until now was something that we were looking forward to every #IPL season.
Now that it won't happen any further, it's going to hurt. A lot. #ThankYouAB#ABD#RCB
— Prasen Moudgal (@Prasen_m4299) November 19, 2021
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