I didnāt have to measure my career based on one tournament, says AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has stated that the moment he realized he didnāt have to measure his career based only on World Cup success, the decision to retire came easily. The former SA star has also revealed the much-anticipated question of if he would continue playing in Indian Premier League ā he will.
De Villiersā decision to retire on May 23 had stunned the entire cricketing world and the shock was not much because of his decision to leave the sport at a decent fitness level or good playing form, but more for the 2019 World Cup, where the Proteas needed ABDās experience and skills the most.Ā
De Villiers played his maiden World Cup back in 2007 and has since then played twice more with South Africa not making any significant progress anyway, but Faf du Plessis and company would definitely be a level lower with de Villiers not in the squad. However, ABD explained that his decision was not in line with his failure to win the coveted trophy.
āIt was time. It was nothing against anyone, but I just felt the time was right. I have been playing for over 14 years, and I was tired. For a long time, the World Cup was a massive goal. But, in the last few years, I have
Back in India, the biggest confusion among the Royal Challengers Bangalore fans was de Villiersā future with the franchise. Like Jonty Rhodes, ABD has also had his share of fans, especially in Bangalore, and he has confirmed that he will be playing in the league for a few more years.
āBangalore is a special place, a second home, really. I played my 100th Test there, and obviously, RCB is a massive part of my life. India as a country has taken me in, and itās hard to explain what that feels like. I just play cricketā¦ I will keep on playing IPL for a few years, and I would like to play for the Titans, and help some of the youngstersā¦ā he added.
South Africa was successful in maintaining their superiority in the backyard when it came to the longest formatĀ before de Villiers hung his boots. After beating India 2-1 in the three-match Test series they needed a huge comeback to win 3-2 against Australia, which would be remembered for all the wrong reasons. However, de Villiers would cherish his last two series for the rest of his life.Ā
āIt was the best possible way to finish, against two great teams, in the best format of the game. There was a lot of motivation for me to do well, and for the team to do well. Series like that donāt come around too often,ā he emphasized.
