AB de Villiers is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Known for his innovative strokeplay, athleticism, and consistency, he earned the nickname “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit the ball all around the ground. Over a 15-year international career, he broke multiple world records, led South Africa in all formats, and thrilled cricket fans with his fearless and unorthodox batting style.
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers was born on 17 February 1984 in Warmbad, now known as Bela-Bela, in South Africa. His father was a doctor who played rugby in his youth and encouraged AB to be active in sports. He grew up in a relaxed and supportive environment alongside his two older brothers, Jan and Wessels.
He attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria, where he was classmates with another future South African cricketer, Faf du Plessis. Although rumors once circulated that de Villiers excelled at multiple sports, AB later clarified that cricket was always his main focus, even though he did enjoy playing golf and rugby.
AB de Villiers made his Test debut at just 20 years old against England on 16 November 2004 in Port Elizabeth. He impressed early on with a match-saving half-century in only his second Test. His ODI debut came in early 2005, followed by his T20I debut in 2006.
He was a versatile cricketer, able to bat anywhere in the lineup. While he initially started as a wicket-keeper-batsman, he later focused solely on batting, although he kept wickets occasionally until 2015.
His rise was swift, and he became the second-fastest South African to reach 1,000 Test runs after Graeme Pollock.
AB de Villiers scored over 8,700 runs in Test cricket, including 22 centuries and 46 fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 278, the second-highest by a South African. He also set a record for playing 78 consecutive Test innings without getting out for a duck.
He had many memorable innings, including:
Though known for his aggressive play in ODIs, de Villiers often played patient and responsible innings in Test cricket when his team needed it.
AB de Villiers was a giant in One Day Internationals. He scored 9,577 runs at an average of over 53 with 25 centuries. He was named ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2010, 2014, and 2015.
He holds multiple ODI records, including:
One of his most remarkable innings was his 149 off 44 balls against the West Indies in 2015, where he scored the fastest 50 and 100 in a single match.
He also formed legendary partnerships with players like Hashim Amla, with whom he once shared a record 238-run stand for the third wicket.
De Villiers had a phenomenal 2015 World Cup. He scored 482 runs at an average of 96 and a strike rate of 144. He scored a blistering 162* off 66 balls against West Indies, leading South Africa to one of their highest World Cup totals.
Under his captaincy, South Africa reached the semi-finals but lost to New Zealand in a heartbreaking finish. Despite the loss, AB ended the tournament as one of the top performers and was named in the ICC Team of the Tournament.
AB de Villiers became South Africa’s ODI captain in 2011 after Graeme Smith stepped down. He later captained the Test team as well following Hashim Amla’s resignation.
He led South Africa to several major victories, including series wins over Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. As a leader, he was known for being calm, tactical, and respectful. However, due to recurring injuries and workload, he stepped down from captaincy in 2017.
In T20 Internationals, de Villiers was a powerhouse. He played 78 T20Is and scored over 1,600 runs at an impressive strike rate of over 135. His ability to play reverse scoops, lap shots, and switch hits made him a nightmare for bowlers.
His fastest T20I fifty came in just 21 balls in 2016 against England.
AB de Villiers shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket on 23 May 2018. He cited fatigue and a desire to step aside for younger players as his reasons. However, rumors of a comeback emerged in 2019 and 2020 ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Despite talks with the South African selectors and team management, de Villiers eventually confirmed in late 2021 that he would not return to international cricket. In October 2024, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
De Villiers enjoyed immense success in franchise cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League. After starting with Delhi Daredevils, he moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2011, where he formed a lethal partnership with Virat Kohli.
He played for RCB until 2021 and scored over 5,000 runs for the franchise. He was known for his match-winning knocks and thrilling last-over finishes. In 2022, he was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame.
Besides the IPL, he also played for:
Even after retiring, he confirmed he would stay connected with RCB in a non-playing role from 2023.
AB de Villiers married his longtime girlfriend, Danielle Swart, in 2013. The couple has two sons and a daughter. He proposed to her at the Taj Mahal, making it a memorable moment for both of them.
He is a devout Christian and often speaks about how faith plays a vital role in his life. He is also a talented singer and guitarist. In 2010, he released a music album with his friend Ampie du Preez titled “Maak Jou Drome Waar.”
AB de Villiers is often called “Mr. 360” because he could hit the ball to every corner of the field. His ability to innovate and adapt made him a nightmare for bowlers. He was also referred to as “Superman” due to his stunning catches and athletic fielding.
In Tests, he was patient and technically sound. In limited overs, he could go from playing proper cricketing shots to scooping sixes over the keeper’s head within balls. He was a master of adapting his style to the format and situation.
AB de Villiers has received numerous awards throughout his career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s | Avg | Strike Rate |
| Test | 114 | 8,765 | 22 | 46 | 50.66 | 54.51 |
| ODI | 228 | 9,577 | 25 | 53 | 53.50 | 101.09 |
| T20I | 78 | 1,672 | 0 | 10 | 26.12 | 135.17 |
AB de Villiers is more than just a cricketer. He is a symbol of innovation, adaptability, and passion for the sport. Whether it was a century at the Wanderers, a rescue act at Headingley, or a ramp shot in the IPL, his moments on the field remain unforgettable.
Even after retirement, his legacy continues to inspire cricketers and fans around the world. From a calm and composed Test batsman to a free-flowing T20 artist, AB de Villiers redefined the limits of batting and left a lasting mark on the game.
AB de Villiers showed the world he still has magic left in him, producing a last-ball moment of brilliance to guide South Africa Champions to the WCL 2025 final. At 41, the former South African star rolled back the years with an electric fielding effort that helped seal a dramatic 1-run win over Australia in…
