Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Graeme Smith congratulated his former teammate AB de Villiers on his illustrious career saying that the former Proteas batter was in a class of his own.
AB de Villiers, who is also known as Mr. 360, is unarguably one of the best batters the world has ever witnessed in all formats. The swashbuckling batter made cricket fans go bonkers with his ability to dominate world-class bowling line-ups.
De Villiers surprised the cricket fraternity in 2018 when he announced his retirement from international cricket. He, however, continued to play the franchise cricket but on Friday (19th November), 'Mr. 360' finally called his time on all forms of cricket.
Read Also: WATCH - CSK captain MS Dhoni opens up on possibility of his participation in IPL 2022
AB de Villiers’ decision to retire from all forms of cricket with an immediate effect made many fans and pundits congratulate him on his wonderful career.
Releasing an official statement, CSA Director of Cricket Graeme Smith said that he was fortunate enough to not only play with AB de Villiers but also captain him.
He added that former Proteas batter was a team man and put hard yards into every task requested of him.
“It's safe to say that AB is in a class of his own. I was fortunate enough to not only play with him but to captain him as well. Always a team man, AB was never afraid to step up to the plate in whatever capacity his team needed him in.
“He has batted, bowled and kept wicket for South Africa with the same passion and drive he puts into every task requested of him -- we won't even mention the outstanding fielder that he was on top of it all," Graeme Smith said in an official release.
Smith said that not only fans from South Africa will AB de Villiers but his presence will be missed on every cricket across the globe.
He added that De Villiers is one of South Africa’s nose beloved products and they are proud of how he has represented the country.
Read Also: Steve Smith in reckoning for Test captaincy as selectors approach Cricket Australia: Report
“It won't just be fans of South African cricket who will miss his presence on any and every cricket surface in the world, but his fans and former teammates from around the world as well.
“He is one of South African cricket's most beloved products and we are proud of how he has represented his country, whether in or out of Proteas clothing. I'm certain this won't be the last we will see of AB and I wish him all the best for all of his future endeavors,” he stated.
AB de Villiers ended his T20 career with 9,424 runs at a strike rate of 150.13 in 320 innings. His tally of 9,424 runs also includes four centuries, 69 fifties.
(ANI inputs)
