The world will not see those phenomenal scoops again. Those towering sixes bending on one knee will be a matter of the past. The crowd will not see a player flying like a superman to grab those other-worldly catches. Yes, the world will never see Abraham De Villiers step up the 22 yards in the South African colors once again.
Standing at the high-performance centre in Pretoria, today, Ab de Villiers has announced his retirement from international cricket.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
“After 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, 78 T20Is. It is 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. I would like to retire still playing decent cricket.”
The decision taken by the former Protea skipper brought an end to a majestic international career consisting of 8765 Tests, 9577 ODIs, and 1672 T20Is runs playing 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is.
When we talk about legendary cricketers, the bunch can be divided into two types. While some achieve the feat as a result of their determined hard work, the others are powered by sheer talent and natural ability. And needless to say, AB de Villiers is one who belongs to the second lot. Hailed as the best of the modern era, the right-handed genius redefined modern-day batting with his unbelievable variety of shots and the ability to hit any bowler anywhere.
De Villiers’ statement has taken the cricket fraternity and the fans by shock and we have an outflow of emotions on Twitter.
Virender Sehwag congratulates the legend
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world pic.twitter.com/uA7CBlYE9F
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 23, 2018
Neither can we!
I can’t believe it. Another pillar gone from the cricket building. You’ll always be missed #ABD.Wish you all the best for your future #ABD.
We will miss you…..😂 @ABdeVilliers17#myfavorite#Livinglegend#Superman— बिनोद पोखरेल (@mehaappy) May 23, 2018
You will be missed
https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/999267441531281408
Sadly, it’s true.
AB de Villiers retires from all forms of international Cricket 💔
Plz koi keh do ki ye jhoot hai💔💔💔
End of an era😩😢
We Love you #ABdeVilliers For Forever
RT if you are sad too😩
— Rashami Desai TEAM 💞 (@RashamiDesai_TM) May 23, 2018
Cricket will never be the same again
What? AB de Villiers has retired?
Sigh!
With AB gone, Cricket will now start with a C.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) May 23, 2018
Michael Vaughan salutes the man
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
One from Harsha Bhogle
#ABdeVilliers played cricket exactly as it should be played. As fun. As an adventure. As joy.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 2018
Come back AB
Sir please don't go please come back fir all cricket fans if you go so it is like body without blood , plants without air and cricket without ABD please don't go
We love you always you are real hero— Harsh Tiwari (@HarshTi7) May 23, 2018
Thank You for everything, Superman!
https://twitter.com/Venkatesh1306/status/999261679618686978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rvcj.com%2Fabds-sudden-retirement-has-made-everyone-sad-fans-are-crying-on-twitter%2F
Cannot hide my emotions
Me after ABD retirement news😥#ABDevilliers pic.twitter.com/hYfTAPPUXg
— MIG-29 (@MIG29096) May 23, 2018
A huge loss for the game of cricket
No ABD No… You can't do this. Pls Take back your words.
You changed the defination of Cricket & surely CRICKET is a looser today— Gaurav Goenka (@GauravGoenka4) May 23, 2018
We wanted you at the World Cup, AB!
Sad day for cricket..!! You will be missed.. was too early, at least you could have waited for 2019 WC..!! All the best..!! 😖😖#ABD
— Sumit Singh (@sumit_singh_26) May 23, 2018
How could you do this, Abd?
https://twitter.com/SurajGaur08/status/999255453824634880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rvcj.com%2Fabds-sudden-retirement-has-made-everyone-sad-fans-are-crying-on-twitter%2F
Shocked, to be true
What’s happening can’t digest this…. so sad will miss you #ABD in international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ https://t.co/9z4FU8Q9il
— Abhilash R (@abhilashpspk) May 23, 2018
You just left us with tears
https://twitter.com/phalgun_pk/status/999255463974789121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rvcj.com%2Fabds-sudden-retirement-has-made-everyone-sad-fans-are-crying-on-twitter%2F
While cricketers will come and go, there will never be another AB de Villiers. Thank you for everything, Mr. 360, thank you.