AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The former South African announced news on Twitter on November 19. De Villiers recounted his cricketing journey starting from early days of backyard cricket to domestic, international and IPL cricket. The 37-year-old thanked his teammates, physios, coaches, support staff for helping him in his career. In the last tweet, he also thanked his parents, brothers, wife Danielle and kids for their sacrifices as well.
Full statement:
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.
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.
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.
Mr.360's career in numbers
The Pretoria-born cricketer made his international debut in 2004 and played his last international game in 2018. In Tests, he has scored 8,765 runs from 114 matches at an average of 50.66 including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries. In ODIs, the former skipper has 9,577 runs to his name from 228 games at an average of 53.50 including 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries. In the 50-over format, he holds the record for fastest ODI hundred and 150 in the same match. In T20I cricket, he scored 1,672 runs from 78 games at an average of 26.12 including 10 half-centuries.
Statement for RCB fans
After his retirement, he also made a video for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans. He made his RCB debut in 2011 and played his last game for the franchise in the 2021 edition where Virat Kohli-led team were knocked out in the eliminator by Kolkata Knight Riders. De Villiers has played 184 matches in IPL and has 5,162 runs at an average of 39.70 including three centuries and 40 half-centuries.
“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that.”
