AB de Villiers, a former South African cricketer, is known for his exceptional batting skills and versatility. Recently, he hinted at a potential comeback to cricket, inspired by his children, after retiring in 2021.
AB de Villiers International Records:
Over 20,000 international runs across formats.
Holds the record for the fastest fifty and century in ODI cricket.
Scored 278 not out against Pakistan, which was the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket until Hashim Amla surpassed it.
Basic Information:
Full Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Date of Birth: February 17, 1984
Birthplace: Warmbad (now Bela-Bela), Limpopo Province, South Africa
Playing Role: Right-handed batsman, occasional wicketkeeper
International Debut:
Test: December 16, 2004, against England
ODI: February 2, 2005, against England
T20I: February 24, 2006, against Australia
Captaincy:
Served as the ODI and T20I captain for South Africa.
Appointed Test captain in 2016 but stepped back from the role shortly after.
IPL Achievements:
Played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, amassing nearly 5000 runs at a strike rate of 158.63 over 11 seasons.
Retirement and Comeback Hints
Retirement:
Announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018, citing fatigue.
Officially retired from all forms of cricket after the 2021 IPL season.
Comeback Speculation:
Recently expressed a desire to return to cricket, motivated by his children and the joy of the game.
Playing Style and Skills
Batting Style:
Renowned as a 360-degree batter, capable of hitting the ball to all parts of the ground.
Known for his aggressive batting and innovative shot-making.
Fielding and Wicketkeeping:
Exceptional fielder with a reputation for making spectacular catches.
Served as a wicketkeeper for South Africa, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
Legacy
Recognition:
Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of cricketing legends. Regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of cricket, with a significant impact on the game globally.
Test Matches: 114 matches, 8,765 runs, average of 50.66, with a highest score of 278.
ODIs: 228 matches, 9,577 runs, average of 53.50, with a highest score of 176.
T20Is: 78 matches, 1,672 runs, average of 26.12, with a highest score of 79*.
IPL: 184 matches, 5,162 runs, average of 39.70, with a strike rate of 158.73.
AB de Villiers Career Statistics
Test Matches:
- Matches: 114
- Innings: 191
- Not Outs: 18
- Runs: 8,765
- Highest Score: 278*
- Batting Average: 50.66
- Strike Rate: 54.52
- Centuries: 22
- Half-Centuries: 46
- Fours: 1,024
- Sixes: 64
One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Matches: 228
- Innings: 218
- Not Outs: 39
- Runs: 9,577
- Highest Score: 176
- Batting Average: 53.50
- Strike Rate: 101.1
- Centuries: 25
- Half-Centuries: 53
- Fours: 840
- Sixes: 204
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
- Matches: 78
- Innings: 78
- Not Outs: 0
- Runs: 1,672
- Highest Score: 79*
- Batting Average: 26.12
- Strike Rate: 135.16
- Centuries: 0
- Half-Centuries: 10
- Fours: 140
- Sixes: 63
Indian Premier League (IPL):
- Matches: 184
- Innings: 156
- Not Outs: 32
- Runs: 5,162
- Highest Score: 133*
- Batting Average: 39.70
- Strike Rate: 158.73
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 40
- Fours: 449
- Sixes: 237
Records Held:
Fastest ODI fifty (16 balls)
Fastest ODI century (31 balls)
Fastest ODI 150 (62 balls)
IPL and Franchise Cricket:
Starred for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) alongside Virat Kohli.
Loved by fans globally for his explosive batting and sportsmanship.
Retirement:
Announced retirement from international cricket in May 2018 but continued to play in T20 leagues worldwide until November 2021, when he retired from all forms of cricket.
Fun Facts:
A versatile athlete, de Villiers excelled in multiple sports, including tennis, rugby, and golf, before focusing on cricket.
Nicknamed “Superman” for his exceptional fielding and athleticism.