Proteas batting wizard AB de Villiers stunned the cricketing fraternity on Wednesday (May 23) by announcing a shock retirement from international cricket. The swashbuckling batsman conveyed this emotional news to his fans via Twitter and his official app.
De Villiers, who made his international debut way back in 2004, boasts of quite a few world records to his name. He is the proud owner of the record of being the quickest to reach fifty (16 balls), hundred (31 balls) and 150 runs (64 balls) in one-day internationals. Moreover, AB is the only batsman in the history of ODI cricket to have an average of above 50 with a strike-rate of 100+.
During his 14-year long cricket career, De Villiers amassed 9577 ODI runs in 228 matches at an average and strike-rate of 53.50 and 101.09 respectively. Besides, the 34-year-old batting genius has also proved his mettle in the longest format. AB has scored 8765 runs in 114 Tests at an average of 50.66 with 22 centuries and 46 fifties.
A modern-day phenomenon, De Villiers recently played an instrumental role in South Africa’s Test series triumphs over India and Australia.
As the revered cricketer calls time on his illustrious career, wishes poured in for him from the cricketing fraternity.
Here are some of the tweets congratulating De Villiers for an outstanding career and wishing him all the best for his second innings:
Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018
One of the best! Wish you all the best AB???? amazing player but above all that great guy... ???? https://t.co/njEZLnuPit
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 23, 2018
An inspiration to millions, and one of the greatest to have come from South Africa. @ABdeVilliers17 retired a true legend!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 23, 2018
“Cricket is a very simple game KL. The more u keep it that way the more the game will give you back.”
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) May 23, 2018
This Is the advice this great man gave me when I was 21. You will always be my Favourite Cricketer @ABdeVilliers17 ???????????? #ThankYouABD pic.twitter.com/ceGpu5uw8j
@ABdeVilliers17 Exquisite timing as usual. Congratulations, so happy for you and your family. Respect ✊
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 23, 2018
One of my most cherished wickets! :) Most of the times it was a massive challenge getting you out. Congratulations on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17 ???? pic.twitter.com/jezZ1kwDCw
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 23, 2018
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world pic.twitter.com/uA7CBlYE9F
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 23, 2018
Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 ... But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player ... Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018
Many congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on a glorious Cricket career. You enriched the game with your ability, presence and mannerisms and will continue to be a role-model for aspiring cricketers. Wish you a very happy post-retirement life.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 23, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 It was a pleasure to have been involved in many battles with you on the international stage. A true South African legend. #Superman
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 23, 2018
The world of cricket will definitely miss you, @ABdeVilliers17! Loads and loads of love from all of us in India. Enjoy your second innings. #TopMan #Mr360 #Superman
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) May 23, 2018
Best wishes AB post retirement, hope life is as exciting as your game. Regards to the family @ABdeVilliers17
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 23, 2018
