AB de Villiers was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in IPL.
Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who's the wife of India captain Virat Kohli, reacted to the retirement news of AB de Villiers. The IPL 2021 was the last season of De Villiers with RCB, and now he has decided to bid goodbye to all forms of cricket, having already retired from international cricket in 2018.
De Villiers and Kohli have been friends for long while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL. The South African often shared how nicely Kohli and Anushka treated him whenever he visited India with his family.
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"One of the greatest men & cricketers I've had the privilege of knowing & watching. Wishing you, Danielle & the kids the very best in life always. You guys deserve everything beautiful & so much more. This is truly heartbreaking," wrote Anushka in her Instagram story.
De Villiers announced his retirement on social media through a post and he admitted that the 'flame no longers burns so brightly' which made him take the call.
"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," he said.
"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 traveled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played," he further said.