AB de Villiers, South Africa’s master batsman, described himself as having “run out of gas” after making the surprise decision to call time on his international career.
The 34-year-old right-hander, considered among the greatest of all time by his peers, bows out 14 years on from his debut in 2004, having struck 22 centuries in 114 Tests and 25 in 228 one-day internationals. Mr 360, as he is known for a dazzling array of shots, will no longer wear the Protea on his shirt.
“I have had my turn and, to be honest, I am tired,” said De Villiers in a video message posted on social media. “It’s not about earning more somewhere else. It’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end.”
De Villiers hopes to continue playing for the Titans in South Africa and will be looking to see out the remaining two years of his Indian Premier League (IPL) deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where his 11 crores salary per season is worth seven times his international retainer.
Social media is filled with heartfelt tweets for the former South Africa skipper. From his fans to the legendary cricketers, everyone felt a bit emotional as AB de Villiers bid adieu to the game. Everyone paid tributes to the modern-day legend with their heartfelt post.
Shibani Dandekar, former IPL anchor and Bollywood actress, has also shared a very lovely message for AB de Villiers in which she expressed her love for the Proteas star.
Here’s what Shibani Dandekar tweeted:
“love always ABD! you will be missed but you have left behind some incredible cricketing memories! keep shining”
love always ABD! you will be missed but you have left behind some incredible cricketing memories! keep shining ❤️ 🌟 https://t.co/Q4ndbFXBJJ
— shibani dandekar (@shibanidandekar) May 23, 2018
Shibani Dandekar is a well-known figure among the cricketing fraternity. Shibani started her career in America but then returned to India and started working as a singer, actress, anchor and model. She co-hosted the show Extraa innings in the IPL from 2011-2015.
