FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS
AB de Villiers, the former South African cricket captain, remains one of the most beloved and revered cricketers of this generation. However, his decision to retire from international cricket in 2018 at the age of 34 let fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide shocked and puzzled. In this article, we delve into the untold story behind de Villiers' early retirement, uncovering the shocking revelation that he played the last two years of his career with a severe eye injury. We also explore the emotional impact of the 2015 World Cup on de Villiers and how it affected his commitment to the sport. Join us as we uncover the hidden challenges and personal struggles faced by this cricketing legend.
A Detached Retina: The Hidden Struggle
AB de Villiers recently disclosed the shocking truth about his early retirement from international cricket. In an interview with Wisden Cricket Monthly, he revealed that an accidental kick from his child caused a detached retina, impairing his vision in one eye. This injury had a profound impact on his ability to perform at his best during the last two years of his career. Despite the challenges, de Villiers persisted, relying on his left eye to compensate for the loss of vision in his right eye. The severity of his injury was evident when the doctor who performed his surgery expressed astonishment at how he managed to play cricket in such a condition.
The Emotional Toll of the 2015 World Cup
While the eye injury undoubtedly played a role in de Villiers' decision to retire, the emotional impact of the 2015 World Cup cannot be overlooked. South Africa's heartbreaking loss in the semifinals against New Zealand left a deep scar on de Villiers' psyche. It took him considerable time to overcome the emotional turmoil and find the motivation to continue playing at the international level. However, upon his return to the side, he found himself questioning his commitment and struggling to find the same culture and support he needed at that crucial juncture of his career.
The Dilemma of a Comeback
Speculation about a potential comeback for de Villiers arose in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup. Rumors circulated that he had expressed interest in rejoining the national team after his retirement in 2018. However, Cricket South Africa failed to respond to his offer, opting to stick with a well-established side that had been performing consistently over the previous two years. De Villiers found himself at a crossroads, contemplating whether this could be the end of his career. The lack of desire to play in the IPL or engage in any other cricketing ventures further fueled his doubts.
Pushing One Last Time: A Test Cricket Finale
With uncertainty surrounding his cricketing future, de Villiers made the decision to push one last time, focusing on Test cricket. His aim was to triumph over formidable opponents like India and Australia on their home turf before calling it a day. The spotlight was the last thing he wanted, as all he wished to do was express his gratitude for the wonderful experiences he had throughout his career. With this mindset, de Villiers embarked on his final journey in Test cricket, showcasing his exceptional skills one last time.
The Legacy of a Great Batsman
AB de Villiers' retirement marked the end of an era for South African cricket. Over the course of his illustrious career, he established himself as one of the game's greatest batsmen. In 114 Test matches, he amassed an impressive 8,765 runs, showcasing his ability to perform consistently in the longest format of the game. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he scored 9,577 runs in 228 matches, leaving a lasting impact on the limited-overs format as well. De Villiers' contribution to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him a place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans, further cementing his status as a global cricketing icon.
Conclusion
AB de Villiers' early retirement from international cricket was a decision fueled by both physical and emotional factors. The eye injury he sustained and the emotional toll of the 2015 World Cup played significant roles in shaping his cricketing journey. Despite the challenges he faced, de Villiers continued to display his exceptional skills, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. As fans, we can only express our gratitude for the joy he brought to the game and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. AB de Villiers will forever remain a legend in the realm of cricket, a player who captivated audiences with his remarkable talent and sportsmanship.