AB de Villiers, a South African cricketer, declared his retirement from all forms of the game today. The 37-year-old played for South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, as well as 184 IPL, matches for the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
De Villiers announced his decision in a Twitter post, saying that at 37, the "torch no longer burns so brightly." It brings his 18-year professional career to an end.
"That is the reality I must accept, and that is why I am making this declaration now, even if it appears sudden." AB Wrote.
"Cricket has been very wonderful to me. Whether it's for the Titans, Proteas, RCB, or all around the world, the game has given me incredible experiences and opportunities, for which I will be always thankful."
The powerful batsman and former national team captain played his final Test match against Australia in March 2018 and his final ODI against India in February 2018. His most recent T20 match for the Proteas was a year ago.
De Villiers scored 8,765 runs in 114 Tests and 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs.
In March 2018, he announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, but he continued to play with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
He has been one of the most successful international players in IPL history, scoring 5,162 runs at an average of 39.7 and a strike rate of 151.68, second only to David Warner. He has a striker rate of more than 150, putting him the only player in the top 20 run-scorers.
AB de Villiers said, "Eleven years have passed by, and saying goodbye to the team is sad. Of course, it took a long time for me to make this decision, but after much thought, I've decided to put up my boots and spend more time with my family.”
In a video statement, he said, "I have had a long and successful experience playing with RCB. RCB will always be a good friend of mine and my family, and they will continue to support this excellent team. I'll always be an RCBian."