De Villiers best player in Kohli’s eyes, said- our relationship is beyond the game

Johannesburg. After South African great AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, the cricket world led by Indian captain Virat Kohli applauded his game and wished him good luck for his future. Kohli heaped praise on de Villiers, calling him the “best player of his time”. De Villiers, one of the most dangerous batsmen in modern cricket, retired from all forms of the game after touching new heights with his ‘360 degree batting’ for 17 years. The 37-year-old made the announcement on Twitter.

He wrote, “From playing in the courtyard of my house with my elder brothers till now I have enjoyed the game to the fullest. Now at the age of 37, it seems that the flame is no longer that bright.” Indian Premier League Kohli, the captain of India’s Test and ODI team, who played with him in the Royal Challengers Bangalore team since 2011, said that he has always been a big fan of the versatile South African cricketer.

Kohli tweeted, “As the best player and most inspirational person of our times, my brother, you should be very proud of what you have done for RCB. Our relationship is beyond sports and will always remain so.

De Villiers has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 matches for South Africa. He also plays in T20 franchise leagues around the world. England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings said, “The best I have ever seen (cricket) and the ‘Mr 360’ I follow took the game to the next level on its own.”

Former India batsman VVS Laxman wrote, “Congratulations on a wonderful career. One of the greats of the modern era and an inspiration to so many. All the best for your second innings.” Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said, “Congratulations on a wonderful career. You are a wonderful person on and off the field. Best wishes for your future.” De Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. He is second only to Kohli in terms of scoring the most runs for this team. He scored an unbeaten 133 against Mumbai Indians (2015) and 129 not out against Gujarat Lions (2016), which is the second and third individual highest score for the team in a match. He had said goodbye to international cricket in 2018 itself.

Cricket South Africa wrote on Twitter, “Great memories, thanks for breaking many records and for the entertainment. We salute your contribution to the sport and wish you a bright future.” Former India player Wasim Jaffer also congratulated de Villiers for his ‘unprecedented’ career.

Jaffer tweeted, “Congratulations on a wonderful career. One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era.” De Villiers made his Test debut against England in 2004 and has scored 8,765 runs in this format at an average of 50.66. His highest score is 278 not out and he also has 22 centuries to his name. De Villiers scored 25 centuries in ODIs and scored 9577 runs at an impressive average of 53.50. He has scored 1672 runs in 78 T20 Internationals at an average of 26.12.