de Villiers will be remembered as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Last Wednesday AB de Villiers announced that he would be retiring from international cricket in all formats. In a statement, de Villiers said: “After 144 Test Matches, 228 ODI’s, and 78 T20 internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest. I am tired.”
Cricket – South Africa vs Australia – Second Test – St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa – March 11, 2018. South Africa’s AB de Villiers celebrates his century. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings
De Villiers was touted by many as “Mr 360,” the best batsman of our modern age–a player who could smash any shot, anytime, and at any angle. Now, he’ll no longer be the most talked about name across dinner tables or in front of television screens.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Proteas’ management, players, and fans. The team not only lost the best batsman in the world, it also lost its dressing room leader.
With AB playing, the Proteas were a much-feared side. But with him gone, the Proteas might fall far under par in the upcoming World Cup. It remains to be seen as to whether they will be able to replace a player who performed so admirably, the holder of multiple World Records, including fastest ODI 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) and 150 (64 balls).
Regardless of which national team you support, de Villiers loss means your eyes have robbed of watching his spectacular play. You will no longer see a man who served as a wicket-keeper, a bowler, a fielder and, most notably, a batsman clad in the green and gold colors.
de Villiers will be remembered for his batting prowess and for good personality he displayed on-and-off-the-field.
