Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) senior batter AB de Villiers, considered as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the game, on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
Meanwhile,de Villiers also thanked his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) outgoing skipper Virat Kohli and the entire team management for showing faith in him.
Taking to Twitter, de Villiers said: “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.”
“That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time,” he added.
de Villiers further expressed: “Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful. I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.”
“Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family – my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first,” he added.
de Villiers also thanked the franchise’s outgoing skipper Kohli and the entire RCB think tank for showing confidence in him.
“I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family. I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years. It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for the lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever,” he said in a statement by the RCB.
On the other hand, RCB Chairman Prathmesh Mishra termed de Villiers as one of the finest ambassadors of the game and said that the franchise was honoured to have a player like him.
“AB de Villiers has been among the best ambassadors of the game, and we are honoured to have him represent RCB in the IPL. His work ethics have been impeccable, which has not only rubbed off on the team, but has left a high benchmark for other youngsters to follow. AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for his tireless commitment in helping RCB establish itself as one of the premier franchises in the IPL. We wish AB all the best for his next innings in life. He will always be part of the RCB family,” Mishra said.
Significantly in IPL, de Villiers featured in 156 matches for RCB, amassing 4, 491 runs.
He is also the second all-time leading run-scorer behind Kohli.