November 19
AB de Villiers retire from all formats of Cricket…
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all formats of cricket.
He had retired from International Cricket in the year 2018. But, he was playing in franchise cricket. In India Premier League, he was playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Now, he will not play in franchise cricket also.
In a series of tweets, de Villiers said, “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.”
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, de Villiers added.
He said, 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.
The 37-year-old had played in 184 IPL matches, firstly for Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) for three seasons followed by a successful decade with Bangalore, where he formed a formidable partnership with Virat Kohli.
Overall, he scored 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 and strike rate of 151.68, including three centuries and 40 half-centuries while being a member of the RCB side which entered IPL playoffs five times.
AB de Villiers has a average of 50.66 in 114 Test matches. His highest score of 278 came against Pakistan. De Villiers featured in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Proteas.
He has played 228 ODIs. In his 218 innings, he has scored 9,577 runs with an average of over 53.
In T20, De Villiers’ has a strike rate of 135 in 78 international matches. It was said, as long as ABD at crease, no one can say that, the match is over.
While announcing his retirement, ABD said “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.”
