Tributes flowed in on social media after AB de Villiers called time on his playing career.
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021
The biggest congratulations to @ABdeVilliers17 on a mind-blowing cricket career. The things you did on the cricket field, us mere mortals could only watch on in awe.
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 19, 2021
And to go with it, the sweetest and kindest teammate I have ever played with.
Enjoy the next exciting phase.
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021
To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021
Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers . Thank you soo much for the great memories and inspiring soo many of youngsters including me . We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17 pic.twitter.com/yAi23Cv8gw
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 19, 2021
What a player! I was one of so many who would turn on the tv just to watch you bat. Enjoy retirement, what a career. https://t.co/ShOBmjWYSw
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) November 19, 2021
The best I've ever seen, and someone who I've always looked up to! Took the game to another level singlehandedly #mr360
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 19, 2021
Thankyou@ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/lzEQ3MYP13
All the best champion in your second innings. We thoroughly enjoyed your batting exploits over the years sometimes at the receiving end but what a career! Truly inspirational and path breaking. Happy retirement #legend !
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 19, 2021
Happy Retirement, @abdevilliers17 - All the best in your next chapter, it was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you! #Legend https://t.co/392KzB65cx
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) November 19, 2021
It's been a legendary journey gentleman. Here's to the best days ahead of us.. congrats on a sterling career @ABdeVilliers17 just a chilled day in the Caribbean sitting between 2 GOATS of the game.. privileged to have shared the field with them @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/HKfUfztj4b
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) November 19, 2021
Absolutely loved watching @ABdeVilliers17 play the game .. You could argue across all formats that he was as good on the eye of anyone who has played the game .. #ABDevilliers #Legend
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a fabulous career @ABdeVilliers17 . One of the true modern day greats and an inspiration for so many. Wish you the very best in your second innings. https://t.co/0bXPXhJCMz
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 19, 2021
Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17 A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you https://t.co/Yh4huPUH7n
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a fabulous career.. brilliant guy on and off the field. Wishing you all the very best in your future. Pure class https://t.co/jqI0sGdvLM
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) November 19, 2021
The thought of ABD not playing cricket, not a happy one! Thank you for making this game of cricket even more beautiful while playing @ABdeVilliers17 #retirement
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 19, 2021