AB de Villiers Retires: Ex-South Africa captain and RCB superstar announces retirement from all forms of cricket – Former South African captain and RCB superstar AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. Regarded as one of the finest cricketers in the modern era, De Villiers had retired from international cricket in 2018 but continued to play franchise cricket, notably for RCB and a short stint with Brisbane Heat. The veteran announced the same via a social media post as tributes pour in for the Proteas legend. Follow Insidesport.in for LIVE updates.
AB de Villiers Retires: Ex-South Africa captain and RCB superstar announces retirement from all forms of cricket
AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in an official statement on social media on Friday. The former South African captain wrote, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
AB de Villiers Retires: Ex-South Africa captain and RCB superstar announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Royal Challengers Bangalore were quick to express their gratitude to AB de Villiers who heads into a new phase in life. De Villiers has been part of the Bangalore outfit for a decade in the IPL and is one of the finest to have graced the tournament. RCB tweeted, “End of an era! Pensive face There’s nobody like you, AB. We’ll miss you dearly at RCB. Red heart For all that you’ve done and given to the team, to the fans, and to cricket lovers in general, #ThankYouAB Folded hands Happy retirement, legend!”
Announcement 🔊 @ABdeVilliers17 retires from all cricket
End of an era! 😔 There’s nobody like you, AB. We’ll miss you dearly at RCB. ❤️ For all that you’ve done and given to the team, to the fans, and to cricket lovers in general, #ThankYouAB 🙏🏼 Happy retirement, legend! pic.twitter.com/JivSPTVn88
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
In a statement, AB De Villiers said, “I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family.
“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.”
“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.” – @ABdeVilliers17 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
The decorated South Africa batter, who began his RCB career in 2011, enjoyed 10 seasons, being a crucial part of 5 playoff runs in his time. RCB said De Villiers has made immense contributions for the side and will go down as one of the greatest players in the team’s illustrious history.
“AB de Villiers has been among the best ambassadors of the game, and we are honoured to have him represent RCB in the IPL. His work ethics have been impeccable, which has not only rubbed off on the team, but has left a high benchmark for other youngsters to follow,” said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of RCB.
“AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for his tireless commitment in helping RCB establish itself as one of the premier franchises in the IPL.
“We wish AB all the best for his next innings in life. He will always be part of the RCB family,” he added.
AB de Villiers Retires: Ex-South Africa captain and RCB superstar announces retirement from all forms of cricket
AB de Villiers in the IPL
Matches: 184
Innings: 170
Runs: 5162
Average: 39.71
Strike Rate: 151.69
Centuries: 3
Half-centuries: 40
Fours: 413
Sixes: 251
Highest Score: 133
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