When AB de Villiers came out to bat, Harsha Bhogle exclaimed: “Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seat belt, we are ready to take off!” Yesterday, his great career made a glorious landing.
Former South Africa Test captain AB de Villiers said he had “run out of gas” as he announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 34-year-old has played in 114 Test matches, 228 one-day internationals and 78 Twenty20 matches for the Proteas.
Here is how the cricket world reacted:
CEO of Cricket South Africa Chris Nenzani said in a statement: “AB is one of the all-time greats of South African cricket who has thrilled spectators around the world with his sheer brilliance, coupled to his ability to innovate and take modern-day batting in all three formats but particularly in the white ball ones to new levels.
“What is probably more important is the inspiration he has been to his teammates whether playing at the international or domestic level and the wonderful role model he has been to all our aspiring youngsters.
“It goes without saying that he is going to be greatly missed wherever international cricket is played.”
Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher tweeted:”I remember this young guy on his first day out for the Proteas. What an inspiration, person, and player, he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done for your country, teammates, and fans.”
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 #legend pic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7
— mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018
This is how our very Shahid Khan Afridi wished him:
Cricket broadcaster Harsha Bhogle tweeted:”Must admit to being a bit shocked by AB de Villiers´ decision to quit all international cricket. We knew it was coming but I thought he would give the World Cup another shot.”
Must admit to being a bit shocked by @ABdeVilliers17 decision to quit all international cricket. We knew it was coming but I thought he would give the World Cup another shot.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 2018
Former India seam bowler RP Singh tweeted:”The man who showed the world that batting 360° is an easy task. All the best for your future endeavors AB de Villiers, thank you for all the unforgettable memories!”
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald tweeted: “So shocked to hear AB de Villiers has decided to call time on his international career. But that´s just life and he feels it´s time to move on.
Thank you, great man, for your amazing match-winning performances, skillful captaincy and most of all your humility.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “Such a shame for international cricket. But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all three formats … GREAT GREAT player … top three that I have ever seen.”
Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 … But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player … Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018
Former South Africa spin bowler Paul Harris tweeted:”What a great career. Best I have ever seen. Was great to be a part of it AB de Villiers. Nou gaan ons braai (now we are going to barbeque).”
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif tweeted:”One of the all-time greats of the game, many congratulations AB de Villiers on an outstanding career.
The (Roger) Federer of cricket, the most loved cricketer on the planet. Wish you the best for your future endeavors.”
One of the all time greats of the game, many congratulations #ABDevilliers on an outstanding career. The Federer of Cricket, the most loved cricketer on the planet. Wish you the best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/WEuHEdbuQy
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 23, 2018
Australia women´s international Alex Blackwell tweeted: “True legend. Finishing on top and allowing next generation to step up. The way AB found innovative ways to dominate bowling attacks was an inspiration.”
True legend. Finishing on top and allowing next generation to step up. The way AB found innovative ways to dominate bowling attacks was an inspiration #ABdeVilliers #AB https://t.co/Khj9UEXo9u
— Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) May 23, 2018
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra tweeted:”The biggest entertainer in the last decade has bid goodbye to International cricket. Your absence will be felt, AB. Cricket will be poorer.”
De Villiers´ Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore tweeted: “Sudden but we´re confident there was immense thought and contemplation behind the decision. You have to come back to Bengaluru in 2019.”
The ICC paid tribute to the legendary batsman with a series of tweets throwing back to some of his most memorable innings.
Thank you for all the memories @ABDevilliers17 🙌#ABRetires pic.twitter.com/k1z07madj1
— ICC (@ICC) May 23, 2018