South Africa’s star batsman AB de Villiers announced his shock retirement from all forms of cricket on Wednesday.
The 34-year old made his decision clear through a video on his official app and gave ‘tiredness’ as the reason behind his call.
De Villiers retires with a Test batting average of 50.66, 22 hundreds and 46 fifties, his highest being 278 not out.
In ODIs, he has accumulated 9,577 runs at 53.50 with 25 hundreds and 53 half-centuries among them.
His ability, despite being a consistent performer over the years, cannot just be measured in terms of stats though.
De Villiers’ tremendous talent to play shots all around the ground has earned him the tag of ‘Mr. 360 degree’ from his fans.
And as the cricketing world absorbs the horror of not being able to watch ABD any longer, this is how they paid tribute to one of the modern day greats calling it a day.
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) May 23, 2018
#ABdeVilliers played cricket exactly as it should be played. As fun. As an adventure. As joy.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 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 #ABRetirespic.twitter.com/3iRCrJjva6
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 23, 2018
Thank you for all the memories @ABDevilliers17🙌#ABRetirespic.twitter.com/k1z07madj1
— ICC (@ICC) May 23, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 It was a pleasure to have been involved in many battles with you on the international stage. A true South African legend. #Superman
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 23, 2018
I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas… What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17#legendpic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7
— mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 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) May 23, 2018
Most definitely a G.O.A.T in my book. Truly an honour to have shared some memorable moments on and off the field with you champion. Congrats on an outstanding international career. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter my friend. Good well Braampie @abdevilliers17#GOATpic.twitter.com/RV7eK5JmJS
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) May 23, 2018
The world of cricket will definitely miss you, @ABdeVilliers17! Loads and loads of love from all of us in India. Enjoy your second innings. #TopMan#Mr360#Superman
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) May 23, 2018
