Veteran South African cricketer AB de Villiers has finally revealed the reason behind his sudden retirement from international cricket.
Ab de Villiers, who is also popularly known as Mr 360, stunned the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket in May 2018. And it seems the RCB star doesn’t have any regret about his decision to hang his boots.
Talking to the Independent, De Villiers said: “It’s been unbearable at times: the pressure you have to face, performing day in and day out. The expectations you put on yourself, from fans, from the country, from coaches,” adding, “It is huge and it’s something that’s on your mind all the time as a cricketer. And it is definitely something that I’m not going to miss. I am very happy to have stepped away. Absolutely no regrets.”
Earlier in May, AB de Villiers had announced his retirement from International cricket through a video he posted on his account.
“I’ve decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 One Day Internationals and 78 T20 Internationals it is time for others to take over,” de Villiers had said.
“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. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside,” he said.
“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where and when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me in green and gold it must be everything or nothing,” he added.
In an emotional message, de Villiers said, “It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding.”
AB had retired with a Test average of 50.66 and as the fourth-highest run-scorer for South Africa with 8,765 runs (22 centuries). In the limited-overs formats, de Villiers ended his career as the No. 2 ranked player in the world and as the second highest run-scorer for South Africa after Jacques Kallis with 9,577 runs at an average of 53.50.
The prolific cricketer made his debut for South Africa in 2004 and played 123 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is.