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"Hurts my heart": Virat Kohli reacts on AB de Villiers retirement

Harshit

Nov 19, 2021 12:08 GMT

South Africa star AB de Villiers has announced his retirement "from all cricket" on Friday. The star batter had earlier retired from international cricket in 2018 and since then he was just playing domestic and league cricket.'

"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard 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," tweeted de Villiers.

It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.

Ever since the back yard 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. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

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 first.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

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 played
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

Cricket 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.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

Followig his retirement reactions poured in on social media from Virat Kohli to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

All of us love AB, that’s no secret! ❤️ Post your @ABdeVilliers17 tributes in the form of artworks or videos. Tag RCB when you post them, and we’ll share the best ones on our page and make sure AB sees them too. 😇#PlayBold #ThankYouAB #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/oa7ASPSecm
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021

Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.🐐 https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021

To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021

Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17 🙌 A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you 😊 https://t.co/Yh4huPUH7n
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 19, 2021

AB de Villiers has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, 78 T20Is for South Africa. He scored 20,014 runs across all three formats of the game.

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