Original Story Published by: Staff Writer for India Today
Photo Source: Reuters
(Above) AB de Villiers said, "players who tell you they don't feel the pressure of international cricket, are lying to everyone and themselves."
Former South African star AB de Villiers shocked the entire world when he suddenly announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year. Three months on, de Villiers is a relieved man, having been away from the "unbearable" pressure.
De Villiers had carved his niche as one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game. In 114 Tests, he scored 8765 runs; in 228 ODIs, he scored 9577 runs.
He last played for South Africa in the four-Test series against Australia at home and scored 427 runs including one hundred. De Villiers was also the second highest run-scorer in the three-Test series against India.
The 34-year-old de Villiers also holds the record for the fastest fifty, fastest hundred and and fastest 150 in ODIs.
However, de Villiers does not miss the game and is actually happy to lead a retired life.
"It's been unbearable at times: the pressure you have to face, performing day in and day out. The expectations that you put on yourself, from fans, from the country, from coaches. It is huge, and it's something that's on your mind all the time as a cricketer," de Villiers said.
Despite retiring from South African cricket, de Villiers will continue to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
To read the full article, visit India Today.
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