South African legend AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, hanging his boots after a 17-year-long career. The right-handed batter played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Proteas and 184 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In his official statement, De Villiers said: “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
Ever since the backyard 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.
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.
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
De Villiers was a key member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the IPL. For RCB, the 37-year-old played many eye-catching innings, even picked up an award for the most power-packed knock in IPL 2012.
He had been a finisher par excellence, hit a sublime hundred at Wankhede in 2015 and another at M Chinnaswamy Stadium against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016. With Virat Kohli, De Villiers added five 100+ partnerships for RCB and two 200+ partnerships. He made 313 runs in IPL 2021, finishing fourth on the runs chart for his franchise.
