Former South African team captain and veteran batsman AB de Villiers has now announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. AB de Villiers has said goodbye to international cricket a long time ago and now he will not be seen playing in tournaments like Indian Premier League i.e. IPL. In this way, this is a big setback for Royal Challengers Bangalore ie RCB.
It is worth noting that when AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket in the year 2018, that decision was also his sudden decision and now when he has decided to leave all forms of cricket at the end of 2021, it was also taken suddenly. The decision appears to have been made. However, he has termed his age as the reason for leaving cricket and has also tweeted about it.
AB de Villiers himself tweeted about this and said, “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since I started playing on the field I have enjoyed with my elder brothers, I have thoroughly enjoyed the game and played cricket with enthusiasm. Now at the age of 37, that flame doesn’t burn as brightly. That’s why I announce my retirement.”
He further wrote in his series of tweets, “This (age) is the reality I must accept – and, even though it may seem sudden, that’s why I’m announcing this today. I have my time. Cricket for me.” Has been exceptionally kind. Whether playing for Titans, or Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimaginable experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful.”
De Villiers continued, “I want to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who have traveled the same path, and in South Africa, in India, wherever I have I am humbled by the support I have received. In the end, I know that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices of my family – my parents, my brother, my wife Danielle and my children. Looking forward to the chapter when I will actually be able to have them in the first place.”
At the same time, RCB tweeted and wrote, “AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of the game. An era has come to an end. There is no one like you, AB. We are going to miss you a lot in RCB. Whatever you did.” And thank you to the fans and fans of cricket for whatever you have given to the team. Happy retirement, legend.”
Talking about the international career of AB de Villiers, he scored 8756 runs in 114 Test matches at an average of more than 50, while in 228 One Day Internationals he scored 9577 runs at an average of more than 53. At the same time, in T20 International cricket, he scored 1672 runs in 78 matches. He scored 22 centuries in Test cricket and 25 centuries in ODI cricket.
AB de Villiers career-
Apart from this, if we look at all his figures, then in first-class cricket, he played a total of 141 matches in international cricket, in which 10689 runs were scored due to 25 centuries. Apart from this, 11123 runs came from his bat in 263 matches of List A cricket, which includes 29 centuries. At the same time, in T20 cricket, he has scored 9424 runs in 340 matches on the basis of 4 centuries and 69 half-centuries.