Mr. 360’s Surprise Exit
South African cricket legend AB de Villiers discloses the primary reason behind his abrupt retirement from international cricket in 2018, a decision that left fans worldwide stunned and raises questions about the toll his career took on his health.
Retirement Bombshell: De Villiers’ Personal Revelation Shakes Cricket Community
Family Time and Tiredness: Initial Retirement Explanation
De Villiers, the former Proteas cricketer, initially cited fatigue and a desire to spend more time with his family as the reasons for his unexpected retirement in May 2018.
Eye Injury Revelation: ‘Mr 360’ Played with Detached Retina in Final Years
Unveiling a Hidden Struggle
In a surprising revelation, de Villiers shares that he played the last few years of his international cricket career with a detached retina, a condition caused by an accidental kick to his eye by his own child.
The severity of the injury prompts questions about his incredible performance despite compromised vision.
Covid, 2015 World Cup, and a Culture Shift: De Villiers Opens Up About Career Struggles
Toll of the 2015 World Cup and Cultural Misalignment
De Villiers attributes his career struggles to the 2015 World Cup semi-final exit, admitting it had a profound impact on him.
He also points to the cultural shift within the team after his return and the toll taken by the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing a multifaceted challenge leading to his retirement decision.
Rejected Comeback Attempt: De Villiers’ Desire for 2019 World Cup Denied
Unfulfilled World Cup Aspirations
Despite expressing interest in playing in the 2019 ODI World Cup and offering himself for selection just a day before the squad announcement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Proteas technical team rejected de Villiers’ comeback attempt.
This decision leaves fans pondering what could have been for the star player.
Quiet Exit: De Villiers’ Desire for a Low-Key Farewell and Final Push in Test Cricket
Stepping Away from the Spotlight
De Villiers shares his internal struggle and contemplation about the end of his career, expressing a desire for a low-key exit.
He opted for a final push in Test cricket with the goal of defeating India and Australia before calling it quits, emphasizing his wish for a graceful farewell without the spotlight.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey: De Villiers’ Post-Retirement Perspective
Gratitude and Closure
As de Villiers reflects on his cricketing journey, he expresses gratitude for the experiences and acknowledges the need to step away in 2018.
The cricketing community now reflects on the impact of his revelation and the remarkable career of ‘Mr. 360.’
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