'Thank you Legend' - Cricketing fraternity congratulates AB de Villiers on an incredible career

South African legend AB de Villiers announced retirement from all formats of cricket on November 19, 2021. The legendary batter was already away from international cricket since 2018 but continued playing T20 leagues. However, now, he has retired from all the forms of professional cricket. Over the years, his contribution to SA cricket and T20 leagues has been exemplary.

His classic shots and fielding made an example for people across the world to take note of it. The only heartbreak in the legend’s cricketing career was an ICC Trophy which never happened to be on South Africa’s side as they lived the image of chokers.

“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,” tweeted AB de Villiers.

AB de Villiers’ career at a glance

Talking about De Villiers, he played 114 Tests for Proteas, collecting 8765 runs while averaging over 50.00. His Test career was decorated with 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries. A brilliant unbeaten knock of 278 runs stands to be his highest individual score in the longest format of the game. Talking about ODIs, he donned the Sa jersey in 228 games amassing 9577 runs with a stunning average of 53.5 where he smashed 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries.

Here is how cricketing names reacted to AB de Villiers’ retirement

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

Happy retirement @ABdeVilliers17 🤗
Unarguably one of the best the game has ever seen !!! 🐐 https://t.co/Z2B5e58vkU

— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) November 19, 2021

Thanks @ABdeVilliers17, enjoy retirement! 👏❤️#BringtheHEAT pic.twitter.com/TquNtUOEBL

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) November 19, 2021

Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ABdeVilliers17 👏🏼 One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era. Happy retirement legend. #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/1CNOiVfHte

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 19, 2021

One of the best to ever step on a cricket field. Thank you for all the memories! 🐐 #MR360 https://t.co/kJM167HXsh

— Shai Hope (@shaidhope) November 19, 2021

It's been a legendary journey gentleman. Here's to the best days ahead of us.. congrats on a sterling career @ABdeVilliers17 just a chilled day in the Caribbean sitting between 2 GOATS 🐐 of the game.. privileged to have shared the field with them🙏 @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/HKfUfztj4b

— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) November 19, 2021

Congrats AB , enjoy the next phase with the family . @HeatBBL @ABdeVilliers17 . Great memories.👍 https://t.co/IrToO7Neub

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 19, 2021

Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on an outstanding career and thank you for showing how to evolve and add new dimensions to one’s skill set! I believe someone who can come close to you in the years to come will be @surya_14kumar, the onus is on you fella 👍

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) November 19, 2021

Congrats on a great career @ABdeVilliers17 you are a legend!

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) November 19, 2021

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

What a player and what a man. Absolute genius and an even better human. Thanks for what you did for the game! https://t.co/Sg07rYMvaH

— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) November 19, 2021

@ABdeVilliers17 what a player . A TALENT only of its kind. All da best in future.

— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) November 19, 2021

@ABdeVilliers17 Thank you legend for entertaining cricketing world…All the very best for future👍🏼👍🏼

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 19, 2021

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

The best I’ve ever seen, and someone who I’ve always looked up to! Took the game to another level singlehandedly #mr360

Thankyou 🙌🏼👏🏼 @ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/lzEQ3MYP13

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 19, 2021

He also played 78 T20Is for the rainbow nation scoring 1672 runs for his team. While he retired from international cricket in 2018, quoting that he has played his part and is tired, he was expected to make a comeback during men’s T20 WC 2020. However, the T20 WC moved to 2021 but De Villiers didn’t turn back and was of opinion that fresh young people should be given chances now.

His contribution to his IPL franchise RCB was also immense where he turned the course of the game singlehandedly on various occasions. However, even RCB failed to clinch an IPL Trophy even once in all these years.