De Villiers: Absolutely no regrets
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has insisted he remains “very happy to have stepped away” from international cricket.
De Villiers retired in May 2018, ending a 14-year career with the Proteas.
The prolific right-hander amassed 8765 runs in 114 Tests and 9577 runs in 228 ODIs. He also struck 1672 in 78 Twenty20 Internationals.
“I know the right answer is probably to say I will always miss the game. But I truly believe that players who tell you they don’t feel the pressure of international cricket, being away from home for months at a time, are lying to everyone and themselves,” de Villiers told The Independent.
“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. And it’s definitely something that I’m not going to miss. Absolutely no regrets.”
De Villiers will likely continue to play domestic competition in South Africa, for the Titans, and around the world in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and other T20 tournaments.
“I know nothing will compare to that feeling of scoring runs in a big game. Thousands of people chanting your name. But in all fairness, I don’t miss it. Not yet. Maybe a year down the line. I’m still going to play for a few years, I’ll still play a little bit around the world. But on my own terms,” he added.
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