Bengaluru: Dashing South African batsman AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The talented batsman, who has been part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team for the past 10 years, called himself half Indian in an emotional video message.
"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," he wrote on Instagram.
De Villiers had made his Test debut against England in 2004 and played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Proteas. He is the second highest scorer in the history of RCB franchise, having scored 4522 runs in 145 innings at an average of 41.10. Kohli leads the chart with 6707 runs.
He also scored 8,765 Test runs at an average of 50.66 and picked up two Test wickets. He cracked 22 centuries and 278 not out as his career best score. The South African batsman, who was a 360 degree batsman, had retired from international cricket in 2018.
Reports of de Villiers considering early retirement had started doing rounds in 2015, following SA's defeat at the hands of India. When he returned to play the home series against England, he was asked to keep and play as a middle order batsman. This did not go down well with him, according to local SA newspapers.
After Hashim Amla stepped down from the captain's role, de Villiers was named stand-in captain in February 2016, but he did not assume the charge as he suffered an elbow injury. For the most part of 2017, but returned in December for Tests.
De Villiers said cricket has been exceptionally kind to him, whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given him unimagined experiences and opportunities, and he will always be grateful.
Talking about RCB in a separate video, the former Proteas batter said he would be an RCBian for life and has already become a half Indian.
"I know I am not going anywhere, I am going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB setup has become family to me. Some people come and go, but the spirit and the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I have had an incredible time over there, I know we haven’t won a trophy but I truly believe there are plenty more to come in the future. I have become half Indian now and I am proud of that," he said.
In an emotional message on social media on de Villiers' retirement, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli called the South African his brother and praised his contribution to RCB.
"To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be. This hurts my heart but I know you've made the best decision for yourself and your family like you've always done. I love you @ABdeVilliers17," he tweeted.
He thanked every teammate, opponent, coach, physio and staff member, who has travelled the same path and the support he received in South Africa, India and wherever he played.
De Villiers said he is looking forward to giving time to his family members after years of travelling to play cricket. "Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family - my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first," he said. (UNI)