AB de Villiers, also known as Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, is a retired South African cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile batters in the history of the sport.
Presented here is an all-encompassing account of AB de Villiers' life up until that moment:
- Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
- Born on February 17, 1984
- Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa
Early Life
Pretoria is the birthplace of AB de Villiers in South Africa. He went to Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, a well-known school in Pretoria, where he showed exceptional talent in multiple sports, such as cricket, rugby, and tennis. His outstanding skill in cricket became apparent at a tender age, propelling him swiftly up the ladder in the South African cricket hierarchy.
Cricket Career
AB de Villiers made his first appearance for the South African national cricket team in December 2004 during a Test match against England. Throughout his career, he emerged as a crucial figure for South Africa in various formats of the game, encompassing Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Adaptability
De Villiers was renowned for his remarkable adaptability as a batsman. He was able to adjust to different batting positions and possessed a diverse array of shots in his arsenal.
Batting Records
He possessed a multitude of records in international cricket, such as the swiftest ODI century (achieved in a mere 31 deliveries) and the quickest 50 in ODIs (completed in just 16 balls).
Personal Life
AB de Villiers is renowned for his modesty and fair play, both during matches and in his personal life. He is married to Danielle de Villiers, and they have three children together.
Cricket Career
- De Villiers showcased his remarkable versatility by seamlessly adjusting to different batting positions throughout his career. However, he predominantly displayed his prowess in the middle order across all formats of the game.
- Batting Technique: He possessed a right-handed batting style renowned for his bold and attacking shot selection, creative strokes, and outstanding abilities in the field.
- De Villiers has numerous records under his belt, which include the swiftest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the quickest fifty in ODIs.
Leadership Role
Throughout his career, AB de Villiers led the South African national cricket team in all three formats (Test, ODI, and T20I). He was recognised for his calm and collected leadership.
IPL Career
De Villiers had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He rapidly gained recognition and demonstrated unwavering performance throughout the competition, earning the nickname "Mr. 360" for his ability to hit shots from all areas of the court.
Retirement
In a surprising turn of events, AB de Villiers decided to step away from international cricket in May 2018, leaving cricket enthusiasts around the globe in a state of astonishment. He went on to participate in several domestic T20 leagues, including the IPL.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from international cricket, AB de Villiers remained active in T20 leagues worldwide, such as the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Because of his outstanding abilities, he continued to be a highly desirable T20 player.
Interests
Apart from cricket, he possesses a remarkable musical talent and has created his own music. He is renowned for his passion for wildlife and dedication to conservation.
Philanthropy
AB de Villiers has actively participated in numerous charitable endeavours and initiatives intending to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged children in South Africa.
AB de Villiers is renowned not only for his exceptional cricketing skills but also for his exemplary sportsmanship, modesty, and ability to infuse the game with exhilaration. His remarkable skill in executing awe-inspiring shots in high-pressure moments Debut him as a cricketing icon throughout his illustrious career.
Career Statistics:
- Number of Games Played: 228
- Number of innings played: 218
- Total runs scored: 9577
- Top Score: 176 (unbeaten)
- Average at the plate: 53.50
- A large number: 25
- Age: 53
- Number of balls faced: 9443
- Batting Efficiency: 101.10
- Four seconds: eight hundred and forty
- 6s: 204
AB de Villiers was renowned for his extraordinary prowess with the bat and his knack for executing inventive strokes. Throughout his career, he was widely recognised as one of the top ODI batters globally.
AB de Villiers enjoyed an extraordinary One Day International (ODI) cricket journey while proudly representing South Africa.