AB de Villiers Steps Down As ODI Captain, To Continue Playing In All Formats

AB de Villiers, on Wednesday (August 23), announced his decision to step down as the captain of the One-Day International side with immediate effect. With speculations surrounding his Test rife, the batting star also made it clear that he will be available to play in all three formats of the game from October when South Africa begin their home season.

The 33-year old had not donned the white jersey for the Proteas since January 2016 before an injury sidelined him for much of last year. Consequently, he missed the series against New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka. Later, he stated that he would be taking a sabbatical from the Test game with an eye on the 2019 World Cup but kept the management and the fans guessing over his future. As a result, he was severely criticised by several former players including his former teammate and skipper Graeme Smith.

However, the right-handed batsman has now made things clear and will be a huge boost to the team which was recently thrashed by England in the four-match Test series.

De Villiers posted a video on his Twitter account to announce his decision.

Here is his full statement:

“A lot has been said and written over the past 12 months, and I feel it is time to make my position absolutely clear. Over the past year or so, I have tried to manage many commitments. I have felt mentally and physically tired; my wife and I are bringing up two fantastic kids and playing in all three formats ever since 2004 has taken its toll.
Together with Cricket South Africa, we have tried to develop a viable schedule which allows me to prolong my career for as long as possible.

This strategy has prompted some people to say I am picking and choosing when to play for the Proteas, and even to suggest I am somehow putting myself before the team. That is simply not true. That has never been true. Playing for South Africa is, and will always be, the greatest privilege of my life.

Now to move forward.
Faf du Plessis has proved to be an outstanding captain of the T20 and Test teams, and bearing this in mind, I have informed Cricket South Africa that I would like to step down as captain of the ODI team. It has been an honour to lead the team for the past six years, but it is now time for someone else to take the ODI side forward. Whoever is chosen as the new ODI captain will have my complete support.

Following this recent break, I really do feel refreshed and revived. I want to get back on the field and I have today assured the national selectors that I will be available for selection in all three formats of the game during the coming season. There is plenty of hard work ahead in the nets and I must prepare properly, but I will be ready to play, if required, from the middle of October onwards.

Lastly, if I am lucky enough to be selected, I can’t guarantee runs and catches. Nobody can do that. But what I can absolutely guarantee is 100% commitment to the Proteas in every format of the game, as and when required. That was my promise when I made my debut in 2004; and that is my promise today.”

Looking forward to a great summer #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/yojybIrvjZ

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 23, 2017