‘This hurts my heart’ – Virat Kohli showers love on AB de Villiers after latter’s retirement from all cricket

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is heartbroken after AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, November 19. The duo played 11 seasons together for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League after De Villiers joined the team back in 2011. Kohli has been with the Challengers since the inaugural edition in 2008 and recently stepped down as their skipper.

Kohli and De Villiers have also shared a number of mammoth partnerships while playing in the IPL. With over 5000 runs under his belt, the Pretoria-born De Villiers is one of the most successful overseas batters in the history of the T20 championship. The 33-year-old Virat lauded his former RCB teammate and called him an ‘inspirational’ figure.

Kohli took to Twitter and wrote, “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.”

In another tweet, Virat wrote, “This hurts my heart but I knew you’ve made the best decision for yourself and your family like you’ve always done. I love you @ABdeVilliers17.”

Virat Kohli’s message

This hurts my heart but I know you've made the best decision for yourself and your family like you've always done. 💔I love you 💔 @ABdeVilliers17

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021

De Villiers also noticed the tweets from India’s former T20I skipper. He replied and wrote, “Love u too my brother.”

AB de Villiers’ reply

Love u too my brother

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

On Friday, De Villiers dropped a tweet, saying that he has started to lose enthusiasm of playing the sport at the age of 37. He said it’s a reason behind him calling it a day.

De Villiers 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.”

Back in 2018, De Villiers retired from international cricket. In the last 12 months or so, rumours of him making a comeback for the Proteas did the rounds. But the speculations have now been put to rest. De Villiers last played competitive cricket in October during the second leg of IPL 2021.