"I was unfairly described as arrogant, selfish and indecisive" : AB de Villiers

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/ahCQBPEo2X">pic.twitter.com/ahCQBPEo2X</a></p>— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1149611783000166403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


"Now the Proteas' World Cup campaign is over, and the team cannot be distracted, I would like to respond to unjustified criticism of me during the tournament.

I continue to be asked to comment on the disclosure, and distortion, of a private conversation that took place just before the squad was announced and, for the benefit of anyone who may have felt let down, would like to explain what happened.

First, I announced my retirement from international cricket in May 2018 because I wanted to reduce my workload and spend more time with my wife and young sons. Some have insisted I was motivated purely by money. They are wrong. In truth, I have turned down many lucrative offers to play around the world, and have cut the time spent away from home each year from eight months to just over three months.

During the weeks and months that followed, there was no formal contact between Cricket South Africa or the Proteas and me. I didn't call them, and they didn't call me. I had made my decision and the Proteas moved on, enjoying success under the expert guidance of coach Ottis Gibson and the outstanding captaincy of Faf du Plessis.

Faf and I have been friends since were at school together and, two days before the World Cup squad was announced, I contacted him for a chat. I had been in decent form during the Indian Premier League and casually repeated what I had said when asked a year earlier, that I was available if required... but only if required.

I made absolutely no demands at all. I certainly did not try to force my way into the World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament, and did not expect to be included. There was no burning issue from my side, and no sense of injustice.

Then, out of the blue, on the evening after the Proteas lost to India, suffering a third successive World Cup defeat, elements of our private conversation were disclosed to the media, and distorted to cast me in the worst possible light.

The story was not leaked by me, or anybody associated with me, or by Faf, Maybe someone wanted to deflect criticism. I don't know.

As a result, I was unfairly described as arrogant, selfish and indecisive but, with all humility, my conscience is clear. I retired for honest reasons and, when asked if I could be available for the World Cup, agreed to keep the door open. In the event, understandably, the team moved on. No problem. I am not angry with anybody.

Now, at this stage of my life, I would like to continue spending time with my family and to play in selected T20 tournaments in SA and around the world.

I have been massively proud to have played for, and indeed captain, my country on the cricket field. My relationships with the Protea players remain as strong as ever, and I will always be available to support and assist the next generation.

Lastly, in stating my side of this unpleasant and unnecessary saga, I want to stress my continuing support for the team and the game that has shaped my life and provided me with so many lasting friendships and incredible opportunities."

 

[Ozymandiasza]

There are always two sides to a story.

Thank you AB for not making a scene during the WC like CSA did. Their unprofessional conduct is well known by now. You actually considered the players playing.

In hindsight, they probably should have included him and asked JP, Miller or even Amla to sit out.

 

[Mamoon]

What is the point of announcing your retirement if you are “available if required”.

Retirement means you are unavailable. That is it.

I am afraid I don’t buy his version of the story. If he had any intentions of playing for South Africa when required he wouldn’t have officially announced his retirement.

It is pretty clear what has happened - he had a change of heart on the eve of the World Cup, and made a last ditch, desperate attempt to get into the squad, but as Faf and Gibson said, he left it too late.

I think de Villiers should have kept quiet instead of coming up with this feeble story. People had already forgotten about it but now he has invited some further bashing.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

meh. Not needed.

 

[Mamoon]

"I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.

This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I'd like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside."

His official statement in May. There is no indication that he was available to play for South Africa if required.

Does he understand the meaning of what retiring with immediate effect means?

 

[Ozymandiasza]

What is the point of announcing your retirement if you are “available if required”.

Retirement means you are unavailable. That is it.

I am afraid I don’t buy his version of the story. If he had any intentions of playing for South Africa when required he wouldn’t have officially announced his retirement.

It is pretty clear what has happened - he had a change of heart on the eve of the World Cup, and made a last ditch, desperate attempt to get into the squad, but as Faf and Gibson said, he left it too late.

I think de Villiers should have kept quiet instead of coming up with this feeble story. People had already forgotten about it but now he has invited some further bashing.

There was no honest reason for someone to "leak" that he offered to play the WC. Clearly, someone intended to harm.

This, however, is all speculation. Just as your tale is. Unfortunately, you seem to be guided by the notion that AB is a greedy, snivelling character, but a good cricketer. When nothing he has ever done in cricket indicated that. He plays in the IPL. He probably loves India and India loves him. He DID NOT join the Australian league even though they offered him quite a lot of money. His intentions as explained in his letter seem valid and truthful, yet you choose to judge him differently. There is no changing your mind.

 

[Captain caveman]

"two days before the World Cup squad was announced, I contacted him for a chat. I had been in decent form during the Indian Premier League and casually repeated what I had said when asked a year earlier, that I was available if required... but only if required. /

So what is abd point?
He wanted in at 2 days notice and SA board said no thanks!!
We know all this!!

 

[Ozymandiasza]

His official statement in May. There is no indication that he was available to play for South Africa if required.

Does he understand the meaning of what retiring with immediate effect means?

He told it to Faf in a private conversation, as his statement said. At the eve of selection he again offered his services, should it be needed. They clearly thought it wasn't needed and moved on, losing 3 games in a row. Then the story was "leaked".

Why do you intend to sully this good man's name?

 

[Mamoon]

There was no honest reason for someone to "leak" that he offered to play the WC. Clearly, someone intended to harm.

This, however, is all speculation. Just as your tale is. Unfortunately, you seem to be guided by the notion that AB is a greedy, snivelling character, but a good cricketer. When nothing he has ever done in cricket indicated that. He plays in the IPL. He probably loves India and India loves him. He DID NOT join the Australian league even though they offered him quite a lot of money. His intentions as explained in his letter seem valid and truthful, yet you choose to judge him differently. There is no changing your mind.

I am not talking about his greed or his character. I don’t know him personally so I won’t comment on what motivated him to retire. The problem is that his story contradicts his official statement.

Why would any player officially retire with immediate effect a week before the World Cup, if he is still available to play if required? It is ludicrous.

 

[Mamoon]

He told it to Faf in a private conversation, as his statement said. At the eve of selection he again offered his services, should it be needed. They clearly thought it wasn't needed and moved on, losing 3 games in a row. Then the story was "leaked".

Why do you intend to sully this good man's name?

What sort of a person lies publicly and then sends a message to the team captain that he is still available? I am sorry but I find it very hard to sympathize with him. He is responsible for this circus.

 

[Captain caveman]

I am not talking about his greed or his character. I don’t know him personally so I won’t comment on what motivated him to retire. The problem is that his story contradicts his official statement.

Why would any player officially retire with immediate effect a week before the World Cup, if he is still available to play if required? It is ludicrous.

Abd retired a year before the world cup may 2018!!!
He wanted to spend more time with his family!!
But the attractiion of playing in the world cup, was too strong and he wanted to play in it but he left it too late!!!

 

[Ozymandiasza]

I am not talking about his greed or his character. I don’t know him personally so I won’t comment on what motivated him to retire. The problem is that his story contradicts his official statement.

Why would any player officially retire with immediate effect a week before the World Cup, if he is still available to play if required? It is ludicrous.

He didn't retire a week before the WC. He retired little over a year before the WC.

Regarding the bold part, he probably felt guilty for "dropping" them like that. Even though the only player of their generation that did well this WC was Faf. The other ATG, Steyn, is in a wheelchair somewhere.

 

[Mamoon]

Abd retired a year before the world cup may 2018!!!
He wanted to spend more time with his family!!
But the attractiion of playing in the world cup, was too strong and he wanted to play in it but he left it too late!!!

He didn't retire a week before the WC. He retired little over a year before the WC.

Regarding the bold part, he probably felt guilty for "dropping" them like that. Even though the only player of their generation that did well this WC was Faf. The other ATG, Steyn, is in a wheelchair somewhere.

Week or year - the point is that he made no indication that he was available when he required. I don’t see any reason why he had to be disingenuous in public. Chris Gayle has been in and out of the West Indies squad more times than I can remember, but he has never officially retired.

 

[sweep_shot]

ABD, you ditched your country when going got tough. You should've retired after this WC and not one year before it. What were you thinking?

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Week or year - the point is that he made no indication that he was available when he required. I don’t see any reason why he had to be disingenuous in public. Chris Gayle has been in and out of the West Indies squad more times than I can remember, but he has never officially retired.

His reason for not being open with the public is because he discussed it with a friend, who happens to be the captain, in a private conversation.

"Remember Faf, if you need me I'll make a return."

That seems pretty honourable to me.

 

[Mamoon]

His reason for not being open with the public is because he discussed it with a friend, who happens to be the captain, in a private conversation.

"Remember Faf, if you need me I'll make a return."

That seems pretty honourable to me.

So he publicly lied because he didn’t want to commit. Very honorable indeed.

 

[Hawkeye]

Great player. Best in LOIs this era.

Very unfair treatment by CSA, and they rightly deserved the humiliation at the WC. AB if he was playing, would've won SA many many matches.

He was badly needed. And he put down his ego to say if he's required, he will play.

Thanks for all the entertainment you provided to us cricket fans.

Of course, there are elements who have always hated you, and will continue to hate you and find negatives in whatever you do.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

ABD, you ditched your country when going got tough. You should've retired after this WC and not one year before it. What were you thinking?

He played over a hundred tests and 200 ODIs. He's captained, kept wicket and had equalled the world record, at the time, of most consecutive Tests since debut (96). He doesn't owe South Africa a damn thing.

Besides, when the ATG SA test team fell apart after Kallis, Smith retired, he stepped up. Instead, CSA chose to play politics and give the test captaincy to Amla with disastrous consequences. He clearly felt it was his, but never said a word about it.

People often forget the unprofessional manners of CSA. There is a reason we're bleeding players, like no other country.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

So he publicly lied because he didn’t want to commit. Very honorable indeed.

Where did he lie?

 

[sweep_shot]

He played over a hundred tests and 200 ODIs. He's captained, kept wicket and had equalled the world record, at the time, of most consecutive Tests since debut (96). He doesn't owe South Africa a damn thing.

Besides, when the ATG SA test team fell apart after Kallis, Smith retired, he stepped up. Instead, CSA chose to play politics and give the test captaincy to Amla with disastrous consequences. He clearly felt it was his, but never said a word about it.

People often forget the unprofessional manners of CSA. There is a reason we're bleeding players, like no other country.

Fair enough.

He is a legend. No question about it. Always loved watching him bat. But, it was probably a bad decision to retire one year before World Cup.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Fair enough.

He is a legend. No question about it. Always loved watching him bat. But, it was probably a bad decision to retire one year before World Cup.

Yep, I'm sure he regrets it.

 

[Rana]

Kind of a stupid thing to do by Whatsapping Faf that he is available if needed on the eve of a World Cup.

If you thought you are too good for the PAK and SL series then you can see what the reality is now, both of these teams had a better World Cup campaign compared to SA. South Africa can thank AB, money and IPL for their disastrous campaign, the worst in the history of a major cricketing force.

 

[Mamoon]

Where did he lie?

By stating that he is retiring with immediate effect when in truth, he was available if South Africa wanted him to play. He left the door open but didn’t want the public to know.

It rightfully backfired and he has to live with the criticism now.

It won’t ruin his legacy because in a few years, people will remember him for the player he was and not how he retired. However, there is no denying that he has handled his retirement very poorly.

It appears that he is still not honest with the public. Perhaps we will get the full story in his autobiography.

 

[Rana]

Great player. Best in LOIs this era.

Very unfair treatment by CSA, and they rightly deserved the humiliation at the WC. AB if he was playing, would've won SA many many matches.

He was badly needed. And he put down his ego to say if he's required, he will play.

Thanks for all the entertainment you provided to us cricket fans.

Of course, there are elements who have always hated you, and will continue to hate you and find negatives in whatever you do.

He didn’t put his ego aside, it was his plan all along.

He was going to retire, have fun in his pick and choose cricketing scenes, family holidays etc whilst the rest of the squad toil hard for South Africa. Right on the eve of the tournament he feels he can give 6 weeks of toil in England and play the last World Cup of his life by pushing forward his reputation as a match winner.

South Africa did the right thing and I hope all boards take notice. Respect those who are loyal to your system and will put in the hard yards over those who do not want to.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

By stating that he is retiring with immediate effect when in truth, he was available if South Africa wanted him to play. He left the door open but didn’t want the public to know.

It rightfully backfired and he has to live with the criticism now.

It won’t ruin his legacy because in a few years, people will remember him for the player he was and not how he retired. However, there is no denying that he has handled his retirement very poorly.

It appears that he is still not honest with the public. Perhaps we will get the full story in his autobiography.

I wouldn't call that lying. I'm sure his intention was to retire at the time. From the statement, he said they asked him after he retired if he'll be available to play. He instinctively said yes. On the eve of selection, he reminded Faf that offer.

For all we know Faf confide in him his doubts as captain and selection headaches. It's all speculation though.

 

[Rana]

The other thing that didn’t go in his favour was the fact that South Africa did well without him for a year and it didn’t look like they would miss him.

Had SA showed no spine against Pakistan and lost 4-1 or 5-0 then he would be well within his rights to say ‘hey CSA, I’m available if needed’. That probably would have been a heroic return to the national side.

 

[Technics 1210]

Serves him right, after all he claimed the IPL is better than the World Cup, then in the next breath grovels for a WC spot!

Once a mercenary, always a mercenary.

 

[James]

*fairly described as

He’s pathetic.

 

[Madplayer]

Lost a lot of respect for this man.

Left SA to struggle just 1 year before world cup and also claimed that IPL is better than world cup anyway.

He is a disgrace to the idea of playing for the nation.

 

[ads101]

He enjoys playing in these foreign leagues than country. Less work, less pressure, more money.

His choice really. Though it does feel a bit weird that he couldn't have persisted for the SA fans who've supported him to the excellent SA cricketer that he was so that IPL would be interested in him in the first place.

He could have easily played for SA, cut down his work schedule and make it clear he wanted to prioritise on it like what Kallis did even though he was a better test player, he wanted to play the world cup. It was just 1 year more that he had to hold on for.

He says he cut it down to 3 months. But what if he'd just been available for the ODIs? Would have played half the game at home, I would have thought the time away would equate to a similar amount to 3 months if he dropped the foreign leagues. Would have been a small sacrifice for a year. SA would have made accommodations for him I'm sure if it meant he'd play in the world cup.

As others said, I don't think he handled his retirement well.

 

[CricketDon]

He choose IPL money over his country


Wanted to come back for the game and hype and money of the World Cup. Rightly turned down.

Go away

 

[Majid Khan]

It’s a loss for cricket to think this guy is still good enough to be playing at the top level in all forms and be ranked among the Top 3 batsmen in the world, along with Kohli and Hafeez.

 

[Hasan123]

One minute he is retired , the next minute he is available to play for South Africa lol. I respect this guy as a cricketer but his retirement has been handled awfully. I have lost a lot of respect for him.

 

[Savak]

His presence would not have made an earth shattering difference to their campaign. The max he could have done was win them 1-2 games but he has a history of going missing when the team needs him the most.

This is just a face saving and damage control excercise at best. Cricket South Africa and the team management took a principled decision by ignoring his request to be recalled to the WC squad as that would have set the wrong precedent

 

[Pete Rose]

There’s no such thing as a casual suggestion, especially when it comes from, arguably, South Africa’s hest player.
It has a profound impact on players and management who, no doubt, have strong opinions on whether he should or shouldn’t play. He should not have stirred the pot to start with.
As for wanting to play IPL and t20 at home: he is entitled to it. But it’s always a bad look when you start choosing the tours to skip or play before you retire.

 

[Sami92]

Week or year - the point is that he made no indication that he was available when he required. I don’t see any reason why he had to be disingenuous in public. Chris Gayle has been in and out of the West Indies squad more times than I can remember, but he has never officially retired.

AB De Villiers should not have retired. But I see Dwayne Bravo also officially retired from international cricket in October 2018. His reason was that he wanted to expand his T20 career & make way for others in international cricket. But with the change of board, he made himself available & he was included in the WC squad reserve list in May 2019.

 

[shane]

De Villiers's explanation does no more than confirm what people learned from the original report - that he is an arrogant tool.

 

[big_gamer007]

People judge him unfairly. It was his decision and one should respect it. I think the criticism gets to him that's why he released this statement, he doesn't have a thick skin and is emotional. CSA and SA in general with all the quota system and politics probably pushed him to retirement. People here commenting don't have a clue what goes on in the background . This chapter should be closed now.

 

[yasir]

People judge him unfairly. It was his decision and one should respect it. I think the criticism gets to him that's why he released this statement, he doesn't have a thick skin and is emotional. CSA and SA in general with all the quota system and politics probably pushed him to retirement. People here commenting don't have a clue what goes on in the background . This chapter should be closed now.

Most likely the real reason was Quota System, for his retirement. Otherwise it does not make any sense to retire year from World Cup. He never explains the real reason for retirement?? - if family is real reason, well he is still playing leagues, away from family, one year would not make a big difference

He was not too old, or out of form, he single handedly beat AUS in SA test series, which is far tougher then any one day series.

More is tries to give justification, worse it gets, without going into real reason.

 

[big_gamer007]

Most likely the real reason was Quota System, for his retirement. Otherwise it does not make any sense to retire year from World Cup. He never explains the real reason for retirement?? - if family is real reason, well he is still playing leagues, away from family, one year would not make a big difference

He was not too old, or out of form, he single handedly beat AUS in SA test series, which is far tougher then any one day series.

More is tries to give justification, worse it gets, without going into real reason.

Yup I think so too. Maybe he will spill the beans in his autobiography.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[Saj]

What a drama.

It's Pakistanesque.

The fact is AB was chasing the dollar and now he's trying to justify it.

 

[ElRaja]

ab did nothing wrong per se and csa are a joke to not quash this at the outset. its obvious the south african cricket team doesn't have that crazy competitive team spirit of the 90s and 00s.

the country is not doing great economically and the cricket team will be a reflection of that. high and middle income white people were the primary producers of south african cricketers.

a lot of young productive whites have upped and left and ab, and the kolpak bunch are a reflection of that. the core issue, which will pbly never be admitted to, is that white south africans with money and options, imo, are just far less invested in south africa as "their" country.

 

[Bewal Express]

What a drama.

It's Pakistanesque.

The fact is AB was chasing the dollar and now he's trying to justify it.

But if they had done well this wouldnt be an issue. AB did whats best for him, and SA chose the team they wanted, i am not sure why its an issue?

 

[mgtow]

Maybe the definition of retirement needs to be updated since being available and retirement clearly seems to be in tangled just as Tom and Jerry.

 

[MenInG]

de Villiers 51(30) [4s-4 6s-2] - so destructive!

 

[MenInG]

His sparkling fifty helped Royal Challengers Bangalore post a good score against Sunrisers Hyderabad, AB de Villiers was “surprised” to find form in the side’s IPL opener after being out of action for five months due to the coronavirus-induced break.

The former South African skipper provided the much needed final flourish with a 51-run innings off 30 balls to take RCB to 163 for five.

“I surprised myself to be honest. We had a competitive game in South Africa, which was great, gave me a little bit of confidence,” de Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, said after RCB beat SRH by 10 runs in Dubai.

“As a 36-year-old to come here, having not played a lot of cricket, in the middle of some talented youngsters – was a pleasing start. Very happy with the basics, seems to be in place,” he added.

De Villiers singled out opener Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed a fifty on debut, for special praise and said that the young talents on display in the IPL are “incredible”.

“Padikkal is a shy and quiet guy but I don’t have to say much really, he looks like a really good talent. It’s a tough thing to arrive at the IPL, they don’t come more tough than that. The talent is just incredible. Every year there are 19 and 20-year-olds coming through looking like they’ve played international cricket for a long time,” he added.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ab-de-villiers-royal-challengers-bangalore-6606053/

 

[Minnowbasher]

Not a fan of AB if I'm honest. Not that my opinion matters but I find it tough to support someone who retired at such a young age despite being one of the best batsmen in the world and then goes on to play t20 leagues around the world. I can understand if your struggling with workload and so want to cut out perhaps a format of cricket but to retire entirely from international cricket just for league cricket is pretty sad.
This is an unfortunate reality of cricket in South Africa. Few proteas seem genuine for the country and team - just look at how many go for kolpaks.

 

[tyron_woodley]

no ABD backed our and quit because he is a quitter. He knew after india pummelled them at their own home in the old series s.africa would struggle to have success in the world cup regardless whether ABD plays or not.

Hence he quit.

 

[therealAB]

I am not sure if he is arrogant or indecisive, but he is definitely selfish. A true cricketer would fight for his struggling team. The contrast between him and the real AB could not be more startling

 

[Mamoon]

He is not arrogant but extremely selfish and indecisive.

What is the latest update on his international future? Has he moved on from “I am retired but if Faf wants me to play I will take my retirement back” nonsense?

 

[Ab Fan]

Most cricketers in his place would have made this decision of retirement. The stakes aren't as high for cricket in South Africa because of which a lot of cricketers at young age start going to different route.

He could have easily played international cricket for one more year and that too picking and choosing games and retire after the world Cup' 19 with a few more milestones to his name. There won't have been any criticism. At his peak, he played as an all-format batsmen who would often keep wickets for his team and captained SA ODI team for almost 7 years.

The only thing that can be put up against AB was his indecisiveness and that generally happens when your heart is not on right place for the game but you do not want to end it that way.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Most cricketers in his place would have made this decision of retirement. The stakes aren't as high for cricket in South Africa because of which a lot of cricketers at young age start going to different route.

He could have easily played international cricket for one more year and that too picking and choosing games and retire after the world Cup' 19 with a few more milestones to his name. There won't have been any criticism. At his peak, he played as an all-format batsmen who would often keep wickets for his team and captained SA ODI team for almost 7 years.

The only thing that can be put up against AB was his indecisiveness and that generally happens when your heart is not on right place for the game but you do not want to end it that way.

Stop being an AB fangirl. AB is completely at fault here. You don't retire right before a world cup, putting your nation in shambles. That is just not professional at all. And then he goes and wants to make a u-turn on that decision on the eve of the WC. Then, now he wants back for the WT20 if Faf wants him. What is this ridiculous drama? Most cricketers will put their country above all, and at least be more mature and decisive. AB has shown to be a drama queen and a T20 mercenary.

'I want to be with my family so I retired', then goes and plays every T20 league in the world. Lmao.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Normally i would blame the player but considering how stupid CSA and the government in South Africa are, I tend to believe AB. No place for, arguably the best offspinner in the world - Harmer, one of the best line-length seamers in Abbott etc.

 

[Ab Fan]

Stop being an AB fangirl. AB is completely at fault here. You don't retire right before a world cup, putting your nation in shambles. That is just not professional at all. And then he goes and wants to make a u-turn on that decision on the eve of the WC. Then, now he wants back for the WT20 if Faf wants him. What is this ridiculous drama? Most cricketers will put their country above all, and at least be more mature and decisive. AB has shown to be a drama queen and a T20 mercenary.

'I want to be with my family so I retired', then goes and plays every T20 league in the world. Lmao.

Are you even aware of the inside politics thats happening in the last 3-4 years in South African cricket and it's administration? Why are most South African players going the kolpak route? Why didn't the South African captain got the team he wanted going to WC semifinal of 2015, he is the one that has to do the job for his country but knowing it will be a flatter deck, he didn't got the bowler he wants?

As I said, he was indecisive and didn't handle the situation as well as he would have liked to. Given how stupid CSA management have been, I could care least why he retired.

 

[Snowflake]

Maybe not arrogant but on the money with the other two.

 

[MenInG]

Royal Challengers Bangalore's AB de Villiers slammed a -ball fifty as Royal Challengers Bangalore posted 201/3 in the IPL 2020 match against Mumbai Indians in Sharjah on Sunday.

De Villiers reached his fifty with a six off Jasprit Bumrah in the 19th over. The Mumbai pace spearhead bowled a length delivery that was muscled over deep square by the South African for his second fifty of this season. De Villiers' whirlwind innings was studded with four sixes and as many fours.

He was particularly harsh on Bumrah, who was taken for 18 in the 17th over, including two sixes and a four. He remained unbeaten on 55 off 24 as RCB plundered 78 off the last five overs to set Mumbai an imposing total.

 

[MenInG]

73* off 33 today for RCB v KKR

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Expecting AB to get a 0(5) in a crucial playoff match that knocks RCB out.

 

[MenInG]

AB de Villiers in #IPL2020 today &#55357;&#56490;

First 13 balls ➞ 22 runs
Next nine balls ➞ 33 runs

6 sixes and 1 4

55*!

AB, Player of the Match: Exteremly happy. Thought we didn't bowl well to be honest. Leaked some silly things. Couple of no balls which Yuzi doesn't do. But Virat and I spoke about it, the need to reset. Very very nervous, and erratic and all sorts of funny stuff. I get very stressed. I'm proud of my performances. Want to perform for my team. want to show owners I'm here for a good reason. Family watching, fans, all those things play a big part. Never think about it like that. I try to stick to my gameplans. It's a cat and mouse game. Honestly I didn't hit any one of them in the middle, but close enough to the middle. Luckily I got a couple over and made him nervous. We've had some good games, have had some average games as well. Have had six really good games in this tournament so far. Plenty of reason to be positive.

 

[MMHS]

Can't say about arrogance (and to be honest, he commands some arrogance), but he is definitely a selfish brat. In this rebuild phase of SAF cricket, he should have stayed till 2023 WC - I am sure if he puts his mind into it, still the most dynamic & best all-round batsman for three formats combined.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

"Unfairly"

 

[Rana]

Unfairly?

How is a guy that casually smashes bowlers like Archer and Bumrah for sixes not playing international cricket?

 

[Jabo]

he is all. abandoned sa

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Unfairly?

How is a guy that casually smashes bowlers like Archer and Bumrah for sixes not playing international cricket?

That too without any intermediate cricket in between his last assignment in BBL 8 months ago.

Then there is faf who has still stayed with his team even after being made to resign from captaincy. SA is pretty much on a steady decline now.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Pretty sure CSA would have catered to picking and choosing and managed his workload if he had wanted to stay.
He didn't, he didn't simply want to play for his country and left his team high and dry in a mess.
But who am i to tell him.

 

[Smudger]

I think its his life. He can chose how long he wants to play international cricket. He probably wants to spend more time with family and playing international cricket is different from franchise cricket. There is not that much pressure in franchise cricket and t20 format is short.
Frankly I dont know why people ridicule a player if he wants to earn money. He has a family to feed and a cricketer has a short shelf life. Its absurd to make fun of player off wanting to earn millions by playing IPL. Most people will leave their country for a better job the oppurtunity they get. Dont know why such double standards

 

[Rana]

I think its his life. He can chose how long he wants to play international cricket. He probably wants to spend more time with family and playing international cricket is different from franchise cricket. There is not that much pressure in franchise cricket and t20 format is short.
Frankly I dont know why people ridicule a player if he wants to earn money. He has a family to feed and a cricketer has a short shelf life. Its absurd to make fun of player off wanting to earn millions by playing IPL. Most people will leave their country for a better job the oppurtunity they get. Dont know why such double standards

What a sorry post.

Central contracts worth half a million USD retainers. IPL gigs worth $2m upwards. Sponsorships worth $100-300k. Basic appearances on TV worth plenty of money. CPL or PSL gigs worth serious money.

AB wasn’t a poor man and he isn’t going to die starving if he was still playing international cricket right now, nor will his family.

Joke post of the week award

 

[King_Kohli]

That's he choice to play or retired.
People are too harsh on him.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Unfairly?

How is a guy that casually smashes bowlers like Archer and Bumrah for sixes not playing international cricket?

In T20**

He did play in odi and he quit when his team lost several bilateral series. Before the world cup they got spanked 5-1 with ABD playing.
he also quit.

 

[Hasan123]

I genuinely believe he is good enough to play LO cricket for South Africa right now. I didn't like the fact he was picking and choosing his games, when he had that break from tests he should have just been honest and said he didn't want to play test cricket and retired. I also didn't like how he made himself available for South Africa World Cup squad after retiring a year earlier. You can't just pick and choose what games you play for your country. It is still sad how it all ended. But he really does enjoy playing in the IPL and playing with Kohli. I appreciate that I can still watch him play, but I really don't like the way he ended his South African career.

 

[tyron_woodley]

They say one player can't make that much of a difference. they can and ABD is proof.

However he did quit in odi when the going got tough.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

He is a champion, why do we want players to quit when they are struggling.

Just look at msd, half of india curses him for the way he plays these days and deservedly so.

 

[MenInG]

Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers has pulled out of the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL) as the player and his wife are expecting the birth of their third child. "The Heat were great to us last season and I am very open to returning to the club in the future. The team did not get the results we were hoping for and I consider there is some unfinished business to deal with," de Villiers said in a post shared by the franchise, Brisbane Heat, on Twitter.

"We are expecting our latest child very soon and with a young, growing family and the uncertainty around travel and conditions due to COVID-19, we reluctantly decided it was not going to be this season," he added.

De Villiers is currently in the UAE, taking part in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The player represents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the league.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann said: "We have been in regular contact with AB since last season and while things initially looked fine for him to come back, there have been a few factors emerge which have changed everyone's plans."

"The main one, aside from the challenges presented by COVID-19 and international travel, is that AB and his wife Danielle are expecting their third child very soon. Naturally, we are very pleased for them and know that the next few months will be a very special time for all," he added.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ab-...ersonal-reasons-open-to-future-return-2316419

 

[OffDrive]

AB de Villiers the most difficult batsman I have bowled to, says star Australia paceman Pat Cummins

He wasn't named in the International Cricket Council's men's Test team of the decade, but former South Africa maestro AB de Villiers is the most difficult batsman star Australia quick Pat Cummins has bowled to.

Between the ICC's awards-of-the-decade timeframe of January 1, 2011 to October 7 of this year, de Villiers garnered 4063 Test runs at an average of 54.17.

The 36-year-old also notched 10 of his 22 Test centuries in that time, with the highest score of the lot his 169 against Australia in Perth in 2012.

But the ICC instead opted for New Zealand's Kane Williamson, India's Virat Kohli, Australia's Steve Smith and Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara in the middle order.

"I'd have to say AB de Villiers is the toughest batter I've bowled to, especially in the 2018 Test series," Cummins said.

"He just looks a class above, you feel like at anytime he can switch over into T20 mode and when batting with the tail I feel like he can hit a hundred in five overs. So I'd say him."

https://wwos.nine.com.au/cricket/pa...e-decade/d261f359-8f85-44c0-b823-29569f0a53f1

 

[Ab Fan]

Undoubtedly, one of the most versatile batsman of all-time.

He was in the league of Viv, Tendulkar, Lara, Ponting and Kohli but unfortunately fell short because he decided to retire on his own terms and probably a year before World Cup.

The greatness was there for taking if he had played one more year, gotten to 10,000 ODI runs and 9000 test runs and saved his team from the Sri Lanka humiliation. He did gave a proper thumping to his critics with those two series defining performance against better teams like India and Australia but the timing of retirement was wrong and that is the reason he will not be rated alongside the above mentioned players.

 

[King_Kohli]

Of course.
Most talented batsman ever.
One cricketer that comes to mind when you say talented is obviously Mr 360.
ABD

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

He will always be for me the most outrageously talented player of his time, and that includes Kohli.

His average certifies him as an ATG, but yeah had he played more he would have given himself a chance of entering a truly rarified list, maybe top 5 batsmen of all time.

 

[Mamoon]

De Villiers was phenomenal in the 2018 series.

But Indian bowlers bowled better to him than Cummins and co.

 

[liam26]

Most talented Batsman ever, even better than my Super Favorite Tendulkar.

Crowds in India cheered for Ab even when he performed against India.