Veteran South African cricketer AB de Villiers on Wednesday shocked the cricketing fraternity by announcing his retirement from international cricket. And now it seems as if he has unfollowed his Indian Premier League (IPL) club Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
With De Villiers unfollowing RCB, it can be possible that he may not return to India for the 12th season of T20 extravaganza. However, ABD is still following his teammate and best buddy Virat Kohli, Vijay Mallya, Siddharth Mallya and official Twitter handle of the IPL.
Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You’ve changed the way batting was seen in the time you’ve played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead 😃👍 @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/uxtRAPl3zA
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 26, 2018
Mr 360 ABD announced his retirement through a video on Twitter in which he said that he was tired and wanted to step out while still at the top.
“After 114 test matches, 228 one day internationals and 78 T20 internationals it is time for others to take over. I’ve had my turn and to be honest I’m tired,” he said in the video.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
“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,” de Villiers added.
“I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket,” ABD further said in the video and this is the reason that fans have been questioning whether AB will return next year to Bangalore or not?
Thank you to everyone – especially the players past and present, MY TEAMMATES and opponents – for their good wishes and understanding. The last few days have been tough and emotional, but I’m taken aback by all the love and support! #proteafire for life
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 24, 2018
ABD was playing for RCB in the 11th season of T20 league before the team bowed out of the tournament.
2019 will be even more enjoyable, @ABdeVilliers17. Watch the Chinnaswamy erupt once more♥️#PlayBold #ComeBackHome pic.twitter.com/O4sCRU9VfN
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2018
.@ABdeVilliers17 immense character lets him walk out of international cricket with grace and countless fans longing for more of his class! Come back to Bengaluru ❤ 🙌 #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/jaVUuuTKBy
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) May 23, 2018
114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 20000 International runs later, @ABdeVilliers17 leaves as a greatly admired 🇿🇦 great, with fans desiring more! #PlayBold #ComeBackHome
Here are 10 of his greatest innings in the Proteas Green ➡ https://t.co/i1KQy53Weo pic.twitter.com/IZrGKxVlTa
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2018
However, soon after AB’s retirement was announced, RCB had tweeted urging him to come back to play for the team next year.