AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers has decided to announce his retirement from all forms of the game.

AB took to his social media accounts to share the news with his fans on Friday. This will end AB’s partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore which lasted for a decade as he had joined the team back in 2011.

AB played 156 matches for RCB in which he scored 4491 runs and he is currently the second-highest run-getter for the franchise behind former skipper Virat Kohli.

The talisman played a total of 184 IPL matches in which he scored 5162 runs and he is the sixth-highest run-getter in the history of the tournament.

AB’s best knock in the IPL came while playing against five-time champions Mumbai Indians when he scored an unbeaten knock of 133 runs.

There is no doubt that AB de Villiers is regarded as one of the most influential players of his generation and pulled off some incredible knocks and shots in his career. AB always had the skills to turn the match on its head with his blistering batting and he also did so on many occasions.

However, the right-hander had a decent IPL 2021 season for RCB as he scored 313 runs in 14 innings at an average of 31.30 and a strike rate of 148.34 but he didn’t have a great run in the second phase of the tournament.

AB had earlier sent shocking waves in the cricket world when he had decided to retire from international cricket in May 2018.

“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,” said De Villiers in a statement.

“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 a lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am an RCBian forever.”