South Africa’s AB de Villiers draws a curtain to his all format cricketing career.
South African cricketer AB de Villiers has stunned the cricket fraternity and his fans from all around the world by drawing curtains to his glorious cricketing career. On 19th November, de Villiers took to his social media handles to inform his decision.
Famously reckoned as “MR 360”, AB de Villiers bid adieu to his glorious international career for South Africa back in May 2018 and since then he has been playing T20 franchise cricket all over the world.
Following the decision of the cricketer, he will no longer participate in any cricketing action happening around the world as a cricketer. The fans will no longer be able to see more the duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
In a statement, de Villiers thanked all his fans, teammates, management for the support all these years.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” wrote AB de Villiers on his social media statement.
“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,” he added.
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“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,” the cricketing great concluded.
The dashing cricketer has mustered a massive 5162 runs playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 184 matches. His strike rate of 151.68 is one of the highlights of his career as a batsman. Besides this, he has three tons and 40 half-centuries against his name in the IPL only.
Overall in his T20 career, de Villiers has plundered a massive 9424 runs from 340 matches. He scores at an impressive average of 37.24 and strikes at a stunning rate of 150.13.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) took to social media to thank de Villiers for his selfless services to the IPL franchise for several years.
“Announcement @ABdeVilliers17 retires from all cricket. End of an era! There’s nobody like you, AB. We’ll miss you dearly at RCB. For all that you’ve done and given to the team, to the fans, and to cricket lovers in general, #ThankYouAB Happy retirement, legend!” wrote RCB in a tweet.
Down below is the list of a few records created by AB de Villiers:
- He is the only batsman to score half-centuries in 12 consecutive Test matches.
- He has smacked 16 sixes in an ODI inning and is the second on the list.
- He has the most number of dismissals (11) in a Test match.
- He is the second-fastest player to 9,000 ODI runs, third-fastest to 8000 and 7000 runs.
- He has won ICC ODI Cricket of the Year award three times.
- He holds the record of fastest half century in ODI cricket in 16 Balls.
- He holds the record of fastest century in ODI cricket in 31 balls.
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