Former South Africa captain and batting mainstay A B de Villiers today announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, saying that he has run “out of gas“.
The 34-year-old swashbuckler, a fan favourite for his innovative strokeplay and power-hitting, posted a viedo on his Twitter page to announce the big decision.
“...It’s about running out of gas, and feeling that it’s time to move on. Everything comes to an end... I have no plans to play overseas and I hope to be available for the Titans (his domestic side),” de Villiers said.
One of the most destructive batsmen to have played the game, de Villiers turned up for 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals for South Africa. He averaged over 50 in both the Tests and ODIs.
“...it’s time for others to take over. I have had my turn and to be honest I am tired. This is a tough decision. I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket,” said the right-hander, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing IPL.
RCB are already out of the title race this season.
“After fantastic series wins over India and Australia, now is the time to step aside. It would not be right for me to pick and choose where and what format to play for the Proteas. For me, it must be everything or nothing,” he said.
He has played 114 Tests and scored 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66. He has also taken two Test wickets. His highest score was 278 not out and also has 22 centuries against his name. Making his Test debut against England in 2004, de Villiers has been one of the star performers of South Africa.
He has been a 360 degree player in ODIs and T20 Internationals. de Villiers has played 228 ODIs and scored 9577 runs at an impressive average of 53.50. His highest score in ODIs was 176 at an strike rate of 101.09. He has scored 25 centuries in ODIs. He made his ODI debut in 2005 against England.
In 78 T20 internationals, AB has scored 1672 runs at an average of 26.12. He made his T20 international debut in 2006 against Australia.
In the absence of regular wicket-keepers, AB has kept wickets too, and has an impeccable record. Behind the wickets, he has 227 scalps under his name while in he has 181 and 72 in ODIs and T20 internationals respectively.
In IPL, he has represented Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore. AB has played 251 T20s and has scored 6649 runs at an average of 35.36. His highest being 133 not out at an impressive strike rate of 147.91 with three centuries.
