Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is a former South African professional cricketer. He holds the record for fastest 50,100 and 150 in ODI cricket. He is the only batsman ever to average above 50 with a strike rate of above 100 batsmen with a minimum of 5000 runs. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. De Villiers was named as the ICC ODI Player of the Year three times during his 15-year international career and was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the decade at the end of 2019. On Friday, Legend AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
He ends his carrier with 4491 runs in 156 matches for RCB in the IPL finishing as the second-highest run-getter for the team behind Virat Kohli. De Villiers, who represented Delhi Daredevils before joining RCB has finished his IPL career as the sixth-highest run-getter with 5162 runs in 184 matches with a best of 133* against Mumbai Indians in 2015.
He said in a statement 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. 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. 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 traveled 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. 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. It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for a lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am an RCBian forever.
