Personal Information
| Full Name | Abraham Benjamin de Villiers |
| Nickname | Mr.360, ABD, Alien, Superman |
| Born | 17 February 1984 |
| Role | Wicket-keeper-batter |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right arm medium |
AB de Villiers: The Cricketing Genius Who Redefined the Game
AB de Villiers is the name of sheer brilliance, innovation, and versatility in cricket. Lovingly called “Mr. 360” because of the ability to play all-around shots on the ground, AB de Villiers is, to the whole world, considered to be one of the most talented as well as entertaining cricketers to ever grace the field. The man has had the distinction of breaking records as well as of delivering performances that, simply put, can stun any mortal soul. Here is the story of an extraordinary cricketing career.
Early Life and Background
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers was born on February 17, 1984, in Warmbad, which is now Bela-Bela, South Africa. He grew up in a sporty family, mastering rugby, tennis, and swimming, among other sports, before focusing on cricket. It was pretty evident from a very young age that AB was talented and had the competitive spirit, so he found himself in the South African Under-19 team.
Introduction to Cricket
A keen and gifted cricketer, de Villiers began to exhibit his skills in batting at a very early stage in life. Passing through different schools and the local cricket clubs of South Africa, he eventually advanced with excellent ease through the various levels of the South African cricket team.
Early Cricket Career
De Villiers began his career by representing the Northerns cricket team at home. His fine performances at home earned him a berth in the national team of South Africa, and it was through this team that he made his mark as a thrilling and innovative cricketer.
Cricketing Career
International Debut
AB de Villiers made his Test debut for South Africa in 2004 against England. His debut in ODIs came subsequently in 2005.
Key Achievements in Test Cricket
AB de Villiers is a technician in Test cricket who also performed really well in adapting to different conditions. AB has scored more than 8,000 runs in Test cricket with an average of over 50 and has played many memorable innings for South Africa.
Success in One Day Internationals (ODIs)
De Villiers would have been the most aggressive player, and by the time he reached the crease, it was as if the match was over with him. In the ODIs, he simply did not let anything stop him, taking matches away from the opposing team quite early in the game. And the runs scored here stood at over 9,500 with 25 centuries.
T20 and IPL
He shone the most in T20 cricket, but he did very well in the Indian Premier League, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Explosive and favorite among fans with his match-winning orations.
Versatile Batting Style
Known as “Mr. 360” for his capability of hitting shots all around the field, de Villiers redesigned modern-day batting. This explosive innings often left his bowlers and fans gazing in awe, comprising a unique blend of innovation, power, and precision.
Remarkable Achievements
- Fastest ODI Century (31 balls): The world record for the fastest ODI century was shattered in 2015 by AB de Villiers against the West Indies; it still stands unparalleled to this day.
- Consistency: Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20s, de Villiers transformed his game to suit each of the formats, thereby establishing himself as a cricket all-rounder.
- Captaincy: De Villiers was appointed as skipper of the South African ODI team in 2012 and then became the Test captain as well. South Africa produced a number of international tournaments under the de Villiers leadership, going to the end to almost win a major title of the ICC.
AB de Villiers Stats
| Test | ODIs | T20Is | IPL | First-Class Cricket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 114 | 228 | 78 | 184 | 141 |
| Innings | 191 | 218 | 75 | 170 | 235 |
| Runs | 8,765 | 9,577 | 1,672 | 5,162 | 10,689 |
| Average | 50.66 | 53.50 | 26.12 | 39.71 | 50.66 |
| Strike Rate | 54.52 | 101.09 | 135.17 | 151.68 | |
| Highest Score | 278* | 176 | 79* | 133* | 278* |
| Centuries | 22 | 25 | 3 | 25 | |
| Half-Centuries | 46 | 53 | 10 | 40 | 55 |
| Catches | 222 | 176 | 65 | 104 |
AB de Villiers: A List of Awards
1. ICC ODI Player of the Year (2010, 2014, 2015)
AB de Villiers won the ICC ODI Player of the Year three times in his career. That was when he dominated One-Day Internationals, consistent, innovatively stroking the ball, and a winner under pressure.
2. South African Cricketer of the Year (2014)
De Villiers was awarded the South African Cricketer of the Year, which is an award that recognizes outstanding performances in all formats of cricket and displays leadership and the impact he has on the game.
3. ICC Test Team of the Year (2014)
His incredible consistency and adaptability in the longest format of the game earned him a spot in the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2014.
4. RCB MVP (Multiple IPL Seasons)
AB de Villiers was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) multiple times for his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His match-winning innings and breathtaking catches made him a fan favorite.
Retirement from International Cricket
AB de Villiers in May 2018 announced his retirement from international cricket, but it was due to the physical and mental stress of playing. His exit left an enormous hole for the South African side, but he will always go down as a legend in the game.
Also read Sachin Tendulkar Biography
Off the Field
AB de Villiers, other than cricket, is an ardent singer and guitarist. He released a music album titled Maak Jou Drome Waar with his friend Ampie du Preez. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts and contribution to charitable causes that inspire young athletes all over the world.
Famous Quotes by AB de Villiers
“Always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity.”
“The key to good batting is to trust your instincts and play with a clear mind.”
“You live by the sword, you die by the sword. That’s the way I play.”
“Enjoy every moment. Live every day as if it’s your last.”
“No matter how hot the fire burns, a Protea always survives.”
“I really hate when I can’t score runs from a ball.”
AB de Villiers’ Legacy in World Cricket
It is going to be a legacy to world cricket with de Villiers’ innovative batting, commitment to sportsmanship, and ability to perform under pressure. Without doubt, he is one of the greatest cricketers who played the game, with an impact that reaches generations afterwards.
AB de Villiers Family
Danielle de Villiers is the wife of AB de Villiers. The duo married in 2013 and have been together ever since. Danielle has become known for her support role in AB’s life and career. They have three children: two boys, Abraham and John Richard, and one girl, Yenta.
AB de Villiers Net worth
AB de Villiers’ net worth is estimated to be around $21 million (₹172 crore) as of 2024.
Sources of Income
- Cricket Career Earnings:
- Played for South Africa across all formats and earned significant match fees and endorsements.
- IPL Salary:
- Earned approximately ₹102.5 crore during his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
- Brand Endorsements:
- Associated with global brands like Audi, Puma, Montblanc, Myntra, and more, earning millions annually.
- Book Royalties and Public Speaking:
- De Villiers’ autobiography, AB: The Autobiography in 2016, contributes to his income. He also earns through motivational talks and cricket analysis.
AB de Villiers Donation
AB de Villiers is very charitable and a big participant in social cause events. He has made massive contributions to many causes individually and through various organizations over the years.
Notable Donations and Philanthropy Work
- COVID-19 Relief Efforts (2020): AB de Villiers donated part of his earnings from IPL auction bat sales to support relief programs in South Africa and India for COVID-19 and aid the communities hit by the pandemic.
- Helping Underprivileged Communities: He is active participant in education, healthcare and sport schemes and providing necessary facilities to poor children living in South Africa.
- Charity Matches and Events: AB de Villiers frequently plays charity matches for the cause of social support especially to retired cricketers and youth cricket development initiative.
- Make a Difference-MAD Foundation: This foundation arranges quality education and guidance for young leaders who do come from underprivileged families.
- Feeding Programs: De Villiers has involved himself in the distribution of food programs for hunger and malnutrition in the rural regions of South Africa.
Conclusion: AB de Villiers’ Impact on the Game
Beyond records and achievements, AB de Villiers’ contribution to cricket is the fact that he entertains us with his individualistic style of play and then is consistent in all formats. He stands out as one of the most influential cricketers of modern times.
Legends’ Quotes on AB de Villiers
“Ab De Villiers Changing The Rules Of The Game.” – Rahul Dravid
“Someone I Have Always Watched And Looked Up To. He Is An Absolute Class Act & Someone That I Try To Base My Game On.”– Glenn Maxwell
“AB de Villers is the most complete player of the Modern era” – VVS Laxman
“AB de Villiers is the Most Valuable Cricketer of the Planet.” – Adam Gilchrist
“There are only two games I dread, its the two IPL Games I play against this Guy.” –Dale Steyn
“AB de Villiers reminds me of my young days, What a Player!” –Chris Gayle
“AB de Villiers is the best batsman in the world and he shows it Again and Again” – Virat Kohli
“Ab De Villiers Is The Definition Of Cricketing Genius.”- Micheal Vaughan
“If I have to pick the best batsmen in world cricket right now, only two names come to my mind. One is AB de Villiers and other is Virat Kohli” – Nasir Hussain
“How good is AB de Villiers? This is class.” – Mahela Jayawardene
FAQs
What has happened to AB de Villiers?
AB de Villiers retired from international cricket in May 2018 and from all forms of cricket in November 2021. He now focuses on family, philanthropy, and mentorship.
How many ducks for ABD?
AB de Villiers recorded 14 ducks in ODIs, 8 in Tests, and 6 in T20Is during his career.
Who is the Mr. 360 in the world?
AB de Villiers is famously known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play innovative shots all around the cricket field.
How many sixes of AB de Villiers?
AB de Villiers hit 328 sixes in international cricket and 251 sixes in the IPL, showcasing his power-hitting ability.
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