South African legendary batsman AB de Villiers left the fans heartbroken after he announced retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious career. On Friday, AB de Villiers took to his social media and made the big announcement, ending his glorious career of 17 years.
In these 17 years of his incredible career, he played in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is for the Proteas. Also, he has been an integral part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. AB de Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. AB is the second all-time highest run-scorer behind Virat Kohli.
AB de Villiers shared a series of Tweets announcing his decision. In his Tweets, he shared his journey from playing the game of cricket with his older brothers in his backyard to playing for the country. He also thanked his family members, teammates, and everyone who was on this journey with him. He wrote:
“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.”
“That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
Here, check out the tweets:
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
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.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
Speaking about this decision, AB de Villiers said, “I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family. I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years.”
Meanwhile, the Tweets went viral in no time and were flooded with tributes and reactions from the fans to it.
Here, check out the reactions of twitterati on this:
Thank you so much for taking the game to newer audience and also giving us so many great memories to cherish as cricket fans. Thanks for the scoops, lofts, dead-bats and those runouts, stunning catches and also the wickets, thank you Mr. 360. Have good second innings 🙂
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 19, 2021
?
— Heisenberg
(@internetumpire) November 19, 2021
(@internetumpire) Thanks for everything , gonna miss this duo
— Sherlòck?#ThankYouAB (@The_Savage_V) November 19, 2021
? Didn’t even witness this duo this season ? pic.twitter.com/9owpXGyjek
— Mandeep 18 (@VK__Goat18) November 19, 2021
Miss you ABD ,??? pic.twitter.com/Q9ugMkfPWL
— D..♛ (@Im_VK_18_Deepak) November 19, 2021
Another heartbreak this year, all the best for second innings goat pic.twitter.com/VAJn2KrFt2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddaI_v0hra) November 19, 2021
??????????????????????? cricket won’t be the same without you.
— Diksha ?? (@BrahmaandKiMaa) November 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/CricCrazyAman18/status/1461592398149021701?s=20
Thanks ABD for all your efforts you have put in RCB ?
You deserved trophy more than anyone..
You will always remain as greatest IPL overseas middle order batsman (IMO)..
You will be missed ? pic.twitter.com/IjCdA6n6KD— Guru (@okguru123) November 19, 2021
Cricketer with 0 haters
— Internet explorer (@Tejusurya_) November 19, 2021
A legacy , An Icon , A Sportsman and A Gentleman . Your fan always. South Africa will forever have a Gem like you . Lots of love and respect from India. ?????? We well miss you ABD #ABDeVilliers
— SoNa……??? (@MUMBaIndiansFan) November 19, 2021
Man that Dhanyawad written there shows your special bond with us Indians
— Sushrut Oza (@sushrut_oza) November 19, 2021
The greatest ever to touch the bat
— ︎ ︎ (@cometogabbamate) November 19, 2021
AB De Villiers Retires From All Formats of Cricket ??? #ThankYouAb ?
Miss You both ? pic.twitter.com/Vlmz3iSryW— Punit Singh (@PunitKu07030328) November 19, 2021
There’s nobody like you, AB de Villiers. You have been the greatest ambassador of the gentleman’s game. Thank you for your immense contribution to this game. Will miss your partnerships with Virat?
— Unnati Madan (@unnati_madan) November 19, 2021
