Mr. 360 of world cricket finally returns to the pavilion after an impeccable journey of more than 2 decades. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, effectively ending his association with the franchise. De Villiers, who had retired from international cricket in 2018, joined RCB in 2011 and enjoyed a successful career alongside his friend and Indian captain, Virat Kohli.
De Villiers Breaks Bond With All Formats
Former South Africa captain and superstar batter AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, thus ending his 10-year-long association with the Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore. Villiers joined RCB in 2011 and enjoyed a successful career, scoring 4491 runs from 28 matches and was instrumental in the franchise reaching the IPL Playoffs five times.
It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
“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,” de Villiers was quoted as saying by RCB in a release.
ABD Has A Touching Note For RCB
” 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 the lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I will be a RCBian forever.”
Besides scoring over 5000 runs in the IPL, de Villiers holds the record for the second and third highest individual scores in the IPL courtesy his knocks of 133 not out against Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 129 not out against Gujarat Lions in 2016. De Villiers is the second all-time leading run-scorer for RCB, behind Virat Kohli.
AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and it’s a painful reality that we would never see ABD in the red jersey for RCB once again but hopefully he can be seen on the field adorning other roles as a commentator or some other duties off the field.
