Cricket world pays tribute to AB de Villiers following retirement
Hailed for his array in stroke play, fearless aggression and his steely approach to the game, de Villiers made the announcement yesterday via social media.
It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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
De Villiers leaves a monumental mark on the game, scoring over 20,000 runs in international cricket, averaging over 50 in both Tests and One Day Internationals. Regarded for his athleticism in the field, and his versatility in taking the wicketkeeping gloves when required, de Villiers also led South Africa as captain to the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-finals, falling to New Zealand.
Amongst the several individual awards won during his illustrious career, de Villiers holds the joint record for the most ICC Men's ODI Player of the Year awards won with three. Tied with Virat Kohli after claiming the award in 2010, 2014, 2015, it was rather fitting that Kohli, also an IPL teammate at Royal Challengers Bangalore, was one of the first to pay tribute.
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
A number of the game's current stars in the peak of their powers reached out in tribute, with several crediting de Villiers as a game-changing figure.
You were my childhood inspiration and I always tried to learn from your charismatic approach. I still remember the first time I met you and how welcoming you were. You have inspired many generations of cricket. Wish you the very best and a happy retirement, @ABdeVilliers17! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nlqsyW8iSI
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 19, 2021
Changed the game by himself! Legend 🙌🙌 https://t.co/0hzu10ca3X
— Liam Livingstone (@liaml4893) November 19, 2021
The cricket fraternity will always miss ur Mr class 360 @ABdeVilliers17 . A man of commitment a man of innovation in cricket field. Wish u best of luck in life. pic.twitter.com/7kNfAWwKOU
— Muj R 88 (@Mujeeb_R88) November 19, 2021
Players of de Villiers' generation chimed in, with several having the privilege of sharing the dressing room as teammates on the domestic scene.
Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17 🙌 A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you 😊 https://t.co/Yh4huPUH7n
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 19, 2021
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
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.
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 19, 2021
And to go with it, the sweetest and kindest teammate I have ever played with.
Enjoy the next exciting phase.
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
De Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018, with his work on the field acknowledged by the ICC with a nomination for the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for Male Cricketer of the Decade, as well as Men's ODI Cricketer of the Decade.
Cricket South Africa, as well as several of his international teammates, acknowledged AB's service to the Proteas.
Thank you for the memories, the records broken and the entertainment @ABdeVilliers17 💚
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 19, 2021
We salute your contribution to the game and wish you everything of the best for the future 🇿🇦 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/iL74NShG4W
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
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