AB de Villiers retires: South Africa legendary wicket-keeper batsman and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s batting mainstay AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. De Villiers took to social media to announce his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious career. De Villiers, popular as Mr. 360 for his prowess to play all around the field, had a phenomenal career & is among one of the most loved and admired cricketers all around the world. Follow InsideSport.in for all the latest updates.
AB de Villiers retires: Reactions pour in as Mr. 360 AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of cricket
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“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,” De Villiers tweeted.
Soon after De Villiers’s announcement, his RCB teammate Virat Kohli, cricket presenter Harsha Bhogle, India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, IPL Franchises – RCB and Rajasthan Royals along with others took to Twitter to wish de Villiers for his second innings. Check out –
To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021
The biggest congratulations to @ABdeVilliers17 on a mind-blowing cricket career. The things you did on the cricket field, us mere mortals could only watch on in awe.
And to go with it, the sweetest and kindest teammate I have ever played with.
Enjoy the next exciting phase.— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 19, 2021
Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers . Thank you soo much for the great memories and inspiring soo many of youngsters including me . We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17 ❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/yAi23Cv8gw
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a fabulous career @ABdeVilliers17 . One of the true modern day greats and an inspiration for so many. Wish you the very best in your second innings. https://t.co/0bXPXhJCMz
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 19, 2021
There is no doubt in my mind that @ABdeVilliers17 has been one of the most influential players of his generation. A genius, a true successor to Lara. Wish you well AB. I am sure your countless fans at @RCBTweets will want to give you a befitting send-off. You were a great combo.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2021
Shreyas Iyer –
Looked up to in my early cricket days and it’s been an honour to play against you 😊 Good luck @ABdeVilliers17 and thank you for everything you’ve done for cricket 👏 https://t.co/iLqqdqy6ax
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a remarkable career @ABdeVilliers17, and best wishes for the innings ahead!
Was always a pleasure to play with and against you, and will always remember my solitary over in Test cricket bowled to you 🙂 Wishing you the very best 👍 https://t.co/JfFxsFc2y5— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) November 19, 2021
The swashbuckling batter has been playing franchise cricket and was a key member in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and he featured 184 IPL games. RCB too took to its social media handles and thanked de Villiers for his contributions and memories with the #ThankYouAB. Check out –
“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 Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
Faf du Plessis –
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.🐐 https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021
IPL Franchise – Rajasthan Royals:
𝑨𝑩, na jaao chodkar… 💗🤝
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 19, 2021
Former RCB head coach and India legend Anil Kumble also took to Twitter to congratulate De Villiers on his second innings. Check out –
All the best champion in your second innings. We thoroughly enjoyed your batting exploits over the years sometimes at the receiving end but what a career! Truly inspirational and path breaking. Happy retirement #legend !
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 19, 2021
Universe Boss Chris Gayle:
Happy Retirement, @abdevilliers17 – All the best in your next chapter, it was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you! #Legend 🙏🏿✊🏿 https://t.co/392KzB65cx
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on an incredible career @ABdeVilliers17. You are an absolute legend of the game. Wishing you the best for your next innings.#ABdeVilliers #RCB #BCCI #DelhiCapitals #SouthAfrica #Legend pic.twitter.com/diSN0emMUu
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) November 19, 2021
BBL franchise – Brisbane Heat:
Thanks @ABdeVilliers17, enjoy retirement! 👏❤️#BringtheHEAT pic.twitter.com/TquNtUOEBL
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) November 19, 2021
Happy retirement @ABdeVilliers17 🤗
Unarguably one of the best the game has ever seen !!! 🐐 https://t.co/Z2B5e58vkU— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) November 19, 2021
Absolutely loved watching @ABdeVilliers17 play the game .. You could argue across all formats that he was as good on the eye of anyone who has played the game .. #ABDevilliers #Legend
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2021
End of an era! 💔 Love you for everything you’ve done for #RCB, the fans and to cricket in general. #ThankYouAB https://t.co/nKdQRrIydy
— Ajith Ramamurthy (@Ajith_tweets) November 19, 2021
Changed the game by himself! Legend 🙌🙌 https://t.co/0hzu10ca3X
— Liam Livingstone (@liaml4893) November 19, 2021
De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is for South Africa. The former South African batter featured in 340 T20 games for different teams across the globe.
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