'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

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.