The Proteas superstar AB de Villiers turned 36 on Monday. Cricketers and fans alike have been wishing Mr. 360° across the social media platforms.
The veteran cricketer, who retired from international cricket in 2018, is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen to have ever played the game. ABD represented South Africa from 2005 to 2018, but there have been discussions over his potential international comeback ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup.
Team India captain Virat Kohli, who shares the dressing room with de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was among the many who wished him on his 36th birthday.
Taking to Twitter, Kohli wrote, “Happy bday brother. Wish you all the happiness and good health and lots of love to the family. See you soon.”
Happy bday brother. Wish you all the happiness and good health and lots of love to the family. See you soon 💪😃@ABdeVilliers17
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 17, 2020
KL Rahul, who also played with the South African during his time at RCB, wrote, “Happy birthday to Mr 360 @ABdeVilliers17 Have a good one lej, see you soon at the @IPL.”
Happy birthday to Mr 360 @ABdeVilliers17😎💪 Have a good one lej, see you soon at the @IPL 🤙
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) February 17, 2020
Out of favour India batsman, Suresh Raina, in his birthday message for Mr. 360, wrote: “Sending the bestest wishes for Mr. 360. Have a great, great birthday brother see u soon! @ABdeVilliers17.”
Sending the bestest wishes for Mr. 360. Have a great, great birthday brother see u soon ! @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/GkHhUR4ezy
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) February 17, 2020
De Villiers, who slammed a hundred off just 31 deliveries against West Indies in 2015, represented South Africa in 228 ODIs, scoring 9,577 runs at a phenomenal average of 53.50.
🔹 Scored the fastest ODI century, off just 31 balls
🔹 His 278* v Pakistan is the second-highest individual Test score for South Africa
🔹 🤯 fielder, 👌 wicketkeeper, 😎 batsman – a genuine 360-degree cricketerHappy birthday, @ABdeVilliers17 🎉 🎈 pic.twitter.com/9o7jR0VVAm
— ICC (@ICC) February 17, 2020
In Tests, he boasts of an average of 50.66, scoring 8,765 in 114 matches.
ABD has also been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2011, having played for Delhi Daredevils between 2008-2010.
Wishing @ABdeVilliers17 a very happy birthday! We loved you then, we love you still. Always have, always will.#PlayBold #NewDecadeNewRCB
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 16, 2020