South Africa and RCB legend AB de Villiers has declared his retirement from all forms of cricket, leaving the cricke society shocked.
The 37-year-old performed his last international game in 2018 but had continued to play enfranchisement cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Although, he has confirmed that IPL 2021 was his previous season for RCB, with whom he spent Eleven years.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” de Villiers tweeted.
He stated that while he had always performed the sport with “unbridled enthusiasm” ever since garden matches with his brothers, “the flame no longer burns so brightly”.
In his regarding, he continued:
“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.”
He went on to thank coaches, opponents, teammates and staff members and told he is humbled by the support he has accepted in South Africa, India and everywhere else he has performed.
In AB de Villiers’ final note on the regard, he added:
“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.”
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
AB de Villiers performed 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Matches for South Africa. In the IPL, he performed 184 matches, of which 156 came for RCB.
He has 3-IPL centuries to his label, 2 of which came for RCB.
Fans Reactions on AB de Villiers announces retirement
Hailed as one of the most accomplished performers to have graced the match, AB de Villiers’ retirement took fans by shock as they were hoping to see at least other season from ‘Mr. 360’.
RCB took to Twitter to pay commendation to their legend. They added:
“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!”
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! pic.twitter.com/JivSPTVn88
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
There is no doubt in my mind that @ABdeVilliers17 has been one of the most influential players of his generation. A genius, a true successor to Lara. Wish you well AB. I am sure your countless fans at @RCBTweets will want to give you a befitting send-off. You were a great combo.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2021
"ABD, ABD, ABD!"
This is at Wankhede. In an ODI vs India. This is what you meant to cricket fans.
The game will miss you, @ABdeVilliers17!#ThankYouABDeVilliers
(Video credit: @sumitnawde) pic.twitter.com/RPI4aJoqxC
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 19, 2021
The most gifted man to ever hold a bat – you will be missed AB de.
— Manya (@CSKian716) November 19, 2021
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
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
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