He will always be written about as a batsman ahead of times. He had to be, for he could read the mind of the bowler in a flash and get into position to inflict maximum damage, an act that was loved by the spectators, sometimes by the bowler too.
A.B. de Villiers was special, a modern day great when it came to combining skills that defied the books and the state of the game.
In his simple announcement, posting a video and telling the world from the High Performance Centre in Pretoria that he was “tired,” he chose the right platform to bow out. He had begun his journey from the Centurion Park 15 years ago. No glitzy stage with farewell speeches, just himself on a cricket turf, addressing the cricket authorities, fellow cricketers and importantly, fans across the world.
In his retirement, cricket and its fans stand to be deprived of pure joy in the middle. He caused a revolution in the art of batting with his amazing range of strokes.
Trusting his judgement
He trusted his judgement on all surfaces and backed himself to decimate the opponent, often with a subtle flick, push, caress or deflection that mocked the field. When he wanted, he could cause carnage with incredibly brutal shots. He could also curb his shots and block — 43 off 297 balls in a Test against India at Delhi in 2015 — to showcase his excellent defence.
AB was entertainment personified. “Entertainment for the audience. Not the bowlers. Believe me, he was the most dangerous batsman to bowl to,” remarked Ashish Nehra, who had had the privilege of observing AB from close quarters in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp this season.
The affable South African was blessed with extraordinary batting gifts. Analysts would be thrilled watching his footwork even as the bowlers would squirm at the thought of having to bowl to him. AB would never be found helpless on demanding pitches, such was his mastery.
Trend-setter
AB was a trend-setter, known to raise the bar in challenging situations. For the bowlers he was an illusionist. How else can a batsman swing the delivery from outside off, contorting his body into a mind-blowing shape, and dispatch the ball behind long-leg. He would do it at will in high-profile contests when others would not even attempt such shots in the nets.
His job increasingly presented him with tough situations because the opponents would engage in endless scrutiny of his batting style. Bowlers, in white-ball cricket, would bowl with a silent prayer when pitted against AB.
With his batting repertoire, AB would make the bowlers pitch to his strength, the smile on his face a confirmation of his success. But the bowlers took it in their stride as the punishment was at the hands of a supremely gifted batsman, who chose to leave on his terms, resisting the temptation of playing the 2019 World Cup.
Often one felt his innings would end prematurely to an attacking shot. His career followed the same path. Abrupt end when the fans craved for more.
