Former South African captain and one of the most explosive batsmen in cricket, AB de Villiers stunned all after he announced his sudden retirement from international cricket on May 23.
ABD, who featured in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for South Africa, shared a video on his official Twitter handle to announce his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. ABD’s retirement came days after his Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) failed to qualify for the playoffs.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) 23 May 2018
Following ABD’s sudden retirement, his fans and cricketers all over the world, including Sachin Tendulkar, took to Twitter to post emotional messages as they said ‘cricket will be poorer without him’.
Here are some of the reactions:
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
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
I don’t think there will ever be a player like you ____ Thank you for everything. I feel blessed and lucky to have shared the dressing room with you ____@ABdeVilliers17 #legend #ThankyouAB ____ pic.twitter.com/UBa9h2A3G3
— Mandeep Singh (@mandeeps12) 23 May 2018
One of the best! Wish you all the best AB_ amazing player but above all that great guy… _ https://t.co/njEZLnuPit
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) 23 May 2018
The biggest entertainer in the last decade has bid goodbye to International cricket…your absence will be felt, AB. Cricket will be poorer. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Go well @ABdeVilliers17 __
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 23 May 2018
I didn’t know if I would say this but #ABDevilliers‘s retirement is hurting me more than Sachin’s retirement.
ABD is the only player who can make an Indian miss him more than Sachin.
Too Soon AB , too Soon 🙁#ThankYouAB
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRai) 23 May 2018
114 tests, 228 ODIs, 78 T20Is has over 20,000 international runs including 47 international centuries.
One of the most complete modern day cricketer. Pioneer of unorthodox hammering of the cricket ball.
Fastest 50, 100, 150 in ODI cricket.
Thank you, Mister!#ABDevilliers pic.twitter.com/iUK7Gl9Z7J
— Sai Krishna (@imSkrishnaaa) 23 May 2018
Miss You Champ ___#ABDevilliers #ThankyouAB pic.twitter.com/gwSTezIZ89
— Jatin Gulati (@imJatinVK) 23 May 2018
ABD has scored 8765, 9577 and 1672 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20s respectively. He averages more than 50 in Tests and ODIs. Mr 360 degree has 47 international centuries and 109 half-centuries to his name.
