One of the greatest batsman of all time and former South African team Captain AB De Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket which will lead to end of all of his franchise T20 leagues, including Royal Challengers Bangalore , the team for which he played in IPL.
The player tweeted, “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.” He added, “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.”
The powerful batsman of all time, De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 and then in 2018, he took retirement from International Cricket. In his statement, he thanked De Villiers thanked the franchise’s outgoing skipper Virat Kohli and the entire RCB think tank for showing confidence in him.
“I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB,” he said in a statement. “Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family.”
“I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years. It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for the lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever.”
The right-handed batsman has scored more than 5000 runs in IPL, and also made the record of second and third highest scores in the IPL courtesy. He is the second all-time leading run-scorer for RCB after Virat Kohli.
The Chairman of RCB, Prather Mishra said, “AB de Villiers has been among the best ambassadors of the game, and we are honoured to have him represent RCB in the IPL. His work ethics have been impeccable, which has not only rubbed off on the team, but has left a high benchmark for other youngsters to follow.”
AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for his tireless commitment in helping RCB establish itself as one of the premier franchises in the IPL. We wish AB all the best for his next innings in life. He will always be part of the RCB family.”
The legendary player has made his place in the hearts of the audience all over the globe and his gameplay will be missed by his fans.
