A dominant batsman and innovative fielder, known for his exceptional skill and record-breaking performances in international cricket.
Regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport, AB de Villiers is a South African cricketing legend known for his innovative and destructive batting style, unorthodox shots, and record-breaking feats in the international arena. With a career spanning over 15 years, de Villiers has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history, earning him the ICC ODI Player of the Year award three times and a spot among the five Wisden cricketers of the decade.
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers was born on 17 February 1984 in Pretoria, South Africa. He made his international debut in a Test match against England in 2004, and first played a One Day International (ODI) in early 2005. De Villiers' debut in Twenty20 International cricket came in 2006, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him dominate the cricketing world.
De Villiers is renowned for his aggressive and innovative batting style, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most destructive batsmen in the modern era. He holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty (16 balls), fastest ODI century (31 balls), and fastest ODI 150 (62 balls). A batting average of over 50 in both Test and ODI cricket cements his position as one of the greatest batsmen of his era.
De Villiers captained South Africa in all three formats, although he stepped down from the Test captaincy due to a series of injuries. In 2017, he relinquished the limited-overs captaincy, and in May 2018, he announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. However, in January 2020, de Villiers expressed interest in making an international comeback, but ultimately decided not to pursue it. On 19 November 2021, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
De Villiers was married to Danielle Swart in 2012, and the couple has two sons, Abraham and John. In 2016, he released his autobiography, "AB: The Autobiography," which became a bestseller.
De Villiers' innovative batting style and aggressive approach have inspired a generation of cricketers, influencing the way the game is played today. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
De Villiers has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the South African Cricket Association's (SACA) High Performance Program, and the AB de Villiers Foundation, which focuses on developing cricket infrastructure and providing opportunities for underprivileged children.
AB de Villiers' remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, inspiring generations to come. His innovative batting style, exceptional leadership, and philanthropic efforts have cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
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