A file photograph of AB de Villiers
The cricket fraternity and fans of the sport went into deep shock when AB de Villiers suddenly announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Wednesday. India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar led the tributes, saying: "Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed. My best wishes you to always, @ABdeVilliers17!"
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra wished him best for his future endeavours, terming him "the biggest entertainer in the last decade".
"The biggest entertainer in the last decade has bid goodbye to International cricket...your absence will be felt, AB. Cricket will be poorer. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Go well @ABdeVilliers17," he tweeted.
"Don't say that AB de Villiers has retired from all forms of international cricket, say that AB de Villiers has retired from cricket in all 360 degrees," a fan expressed his shock on twitter.
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald thanked De Villiers for his amazing match winning performances for the national cricket team.
"So shocked to here @ABdeVilliers17 has decided to call time on his international career. But that’s just life and he feels it’s time to move on. Thank you great man for your amazing Match winning Performances, Skill Captaincy and most of all your Humility," he said.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman congratulated the South African, saying: "Many congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on a glorious Cricket career. You enriched the game with your ability, presence and mannerisms and will continue to be a role-model for aspiring cricketers. Wish you a very happy post-retirement."
The 34-year-old swashbuckler, a fan favourite for his innovative strokeplay and power-hitting, posted a viedo on his Twitter page to announce the big decision.
"...It's about running out of gas, and feeling that it's time to move on. Everything comes to an end... I have no plans to play overseas and I hope to be available for the Titans (his domestic side)," de Villiers said.
One of the most destructive batsmen to have played the game, de Villiers turned up for 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals for South Africa. He averaged over 50 in both the Tests and ODIs.
"...it's time for others to take over. I have had my turn and to be honest I am tired. This is a tough decision. I have thought long and hard about it and I'd like to retire while still playing decent cricket," said the right-hander.
Congratulating De Villiers on his illustrious career, former India batsman Virender Sehwag said international cricket will be "poorer" without the South African talisman.
"Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world," Sehwag wrote on his twitter handle.
Veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh echoed with Tendulkar.
"One of the world's finest and most versatile batsmen, retires today. He's played brilliantly till now and the world will surely miss seeing him on the field. @ABdeVilliers17," Harbhajan tweeted.
Another of de Villiers' former teammate Mark Boucher added: "I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas... What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17 #legend."
Former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena wished de Villiers on his post-retirement life.
"One of the best! Wish you all the best AB - amazing player but above all that great guy...," Jayawardena wrote on his tweeter handle.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said de Villiers was a great advertisement for the game of cricket.
"Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 ... But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player ... Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB," Vaughan tweeted.
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) also took to twitter to wish de Villiers for his future endeavours.
"As the Proteas legend @ABdeVilliers17 calls it a day on his international career, we at BCCI would like to wish him all the very best for his future endeavours," BCCI wrote.
Out of favour India pacer RP Singh, who was once de Villiers' teammate in Royal Challengers Bangalore wrote: "The man who showed the world that batting 360 is an easy task. All the best for your future endeavours @ABdeVilliers17, thank you for all the unforgettable memories!"
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said: "Champion batsman! I always enjoyed seeing you bat, the innovations that you brought to the game were a joy to watch esp the sweep shot off fast bowlers. Always respected your enormous talent, a true great of cricket. Stay Blessed.
"One of my most cherished wickets! :) Most of the times it was a massive challenge getting you out. Congratulations on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17.
