The South African star announced his retirement last week, and tributes have been pouring in from all over the world since.
AB de Villiers has retired from all forms of international cricket. It has come as a surprise to some, and a shock to many. No one would’ve had the slightest doubt in AB’s abilities after a stellar show in this year’s IPL.
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AB de Villers averaged 53 with a strike rate of more than 170. Royal Challengers Bangalore made a comeback in the later stages of the IPL and pushed for the play-offs spot, thanks to AB’s superhuman powers.
There were no signs of de Villiers’ game perishing. His reflexes were strong as they’ve always been. Hence, his sudden retirement, a mere one year before the world cup, has taken aback the cricketing fraternity. AB de Villiers has bowed out of international cricket without a world cup victory, however it hardly tarnishes the legacy of the batsman.
de Villiers’ announced his retirement through a video message yesterday, in which he said that he is exhausted and wants to give the upcoming generation a chance. He also cleared the air around selectivity in formats, saying that it is either playing for the Proteas, or nothing.
Many greats of the game, former and current, have took to social media to congratulate AB de Villers on a fantastic career. Some also expressed their shock at the news.
One of them was Australia’s star batsman, David Warner. In his tweet for the South African star, he wished ABD luck for his future. Warner also called ABD as one of his favourites in terms of skills.
Warner and de Villiers have played together for IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in the past.
