I'm an RCBian forever: AB de Villiers after retiring from all forms of cricket

One of contemporary crickets greatest batters South African legend AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of the game which he dominated for 17 years with his 360degree battingThe 37yearold versatile cricketers decision has effectively ended his association with his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore He made the announcement on Twitter ending an illustrious career which saw him play in 114 Tests 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the ProteasIn a statement released De Villiers said It has been an incredible journey but I have decided to retire from all cricket Ever since the backyard 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 Last I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family my parents my brothers my wife Danielle and my children I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them firstThe former South Africa captain and batting mainstay had retired from international cricket in 2018 I would like to thank every teammate every opponent every coach every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa in India wherever I have playedCricket has been exceptionally kind to me Whether playing for the Titans or the Proteas or RCB or around the world the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities and I will always be grateful Thats the reality I must accept and even if it may seem sudden that is why I am making this announcement today Ive had my time de Villiers addedSince starting his association with RCB in 2011 he has enjoyed 11 fruitful seasons with the franchise and was its batting mainstay alongside Virat Kohli De Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4491 runs He is the second alltime leading run scorer behind Kohli and holds the second and thirdhighest individual run total in RCB history with 133 not out against Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 129 not out against Gujarat Lions in 2016Speaking about his association with the Indian club de Villiers said I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweetOf course arriving at this decision took a lot of time but after a lot of contemplation Ive 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 yearsIt 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 foreverVirat Kohli also penned a heartfelt message on social media site Twitter for the dynamic batterThis hurts my heart but I know youve made the best decision for yourself and your family like youve always done I love you ABdeVilliers17mdash Virat Kohli imVkohli November 19 2021To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person Ive met you can be very proud of what youve done and what youve given to RCB my brother Our bond is beyond the game and will always bemdash Virat Kohli imVkohli November 19 2021De Villiers has played 114 Tests and scored 8765 runs at an average of 5066 He has also taken two Test wickets His highest score was 278 not out and also has 22 centuries against his name Making his Test debut against England in 2004 de Villiers has been one of the star performers of South AfricaHe has been a 360 degree player in ODIs and T20 Internationals De Villiers has played 228 ODIs and scored 9577 runs at an impressive average of 5350 His highest score in ODIs was 176 at an strike rate of 10109 He has scored 25 centuries in ODIs He made his ODI debut in 2005 against EnglandIn 78 T20 internationals he has scored 1672 runs at an average of 2612 He made his T20 international debut in 2006 against Australia The franchise said he will go down as one of the greatest players in the teams illustrious historyAlso Read I aint leaving Chris Gayle shares cryptic tweet on his future in cricketRCB chairman Prathmesh 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 followAB 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 familyThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no 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