Everyone would have wanted Ab De Villiers to play the 2019 WolrdCup, even if you are not supporting SouthAfrica, but the man himself have chosen to hang up his boots. In a video message announcing his retirement, he said he has “run out of gas” and said “the time is right” for him to end his international career. For a batsman who’s ‘timing’ was exemplary, may be his real life timing too is just right, we don’t know how his body is coping up.
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“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” de Villiers said on Wednesday (May 23). “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired,” de Villiers said. He will always be missed but here are five reasons why he is one among the all time greats.
Stunning Career Record
The easiest way to judge a player is to simply look at the numbers. The numbers don’t tell you with what elegance and efficiency he got those runs, but to have an average over 50 in both test matches and one day matches is simply awesome. De villiers has amassed 20104 international runs (8765 in Tests, 9577 in ODIs and 1672 in T20s) His test match average is 50.66 and 53.50 in 50-over cricket.
Mr 360
As a bowler you cannot predict where the ball will end up when you are bowling to Ab. His range is exceptional and a ball on the seventh stump Line might go over fine leg boundary. There isn’t a corner of the ground where his shots cannot reach and nobody knows what he is going to pull out of his hat next ball
Multitalented
Ab is not just a cricket player , but excels in many other sports. Having seen his ability on the ground to do exceptional things, a lot of stories surfaced regarding the other sports he plays. But in his autobiography he has brushed aside a lot of these claims. But still Ab has played hockey, rugby and a few other sports. As the legend himself said “ These are the facts: decent at golf, useful at rugby and tennis when I was young, and enjoying cricket ever since”
Ab’s Humilty
The fame and glamour has sat lightly on him. On and off the field he is a true gentleman. You will never see any brash celebrations from him on achieving a personal milestone. He has learnt to face success and defeat with a smile. No wonder he is the most popular overseas player in India.
The respect the World Cricket has for him
You just need to go through some of these tweets to see how much he is loved. They talk for themselves.
Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 23 May 2018
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world pic.twitter.com/uA7CBlYE9F
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 23 May 2018
#ABdeVilliers played cricket exactly as it should be played. As fun. As an adventure. As joy.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 23 May 2018
As the Proteas legend @ABdeVilliers17 calls it a day on his international career, we at BCCI would like to wish him all the very best for his future endeavours #ABRetires pic.twitter.com/3iRCrJjva6
— BCCI (@BCCI) 23 May 2018
Many congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on a glorious Cricket career. You enriched the game with your ability, presence and mannerisms and will continue to be a role-model for aspiring cricketers. Wish you a very happy post-retirement life.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 23 May 2018
So shocked to here @ABdeVilliers17 has decided to call time on his international career. But that’s just life and he feels it’s time to move on. Thank you great man for your amazing Match winning Performances, Skill Captaincy and most of all your Humility. ???
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) 23 May 2018
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