AB de Villiers
The master of the impossible shot who redefined batting boundaries for a decade.
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers (born 17 February 1984) is a South African former professional cricketer who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2011 until he retired from all professional cricket in 2021. While primarily a batter, he also played as a wicket-keeper. He is widely recognised as one of the greatest batters of all time, and during his IPL career he became known for his innovative shot-making and calm presence under pressure.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
- Born
- 17 February 1984
- Birthplace
- Warmbad, Transvaal Province, South Africa
- Nickname
- Mr. 360, ABD
- Batting
- Right-handed
- Bowling
- Right arm medium
- Role
- Wicket-keeper-batter
- Country
- South Africa
Lore & Background
De Villiers joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 and remained with the franchise until his retirement from all professional cricket in 2021. Over the course of his career, he won several major honours: he was named the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2010, 2014, and 2015, and was selected as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Decade in 2019. In 2024, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. His batting style was characterized by an unshakeable belief in his own ability, often producing match-winning performances under intense pressure. While the franchise faced challenges in securing the championship title during his time, AB's legacy is defined by the sheer entertainment value and technical brilliance he injected into every match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Reader's Guide
AB de Villiers is defined by his revolutionary approach to batting and his steady leadership during some of RCB's most turbulent years. As a top-order batsman capable of accelerating at will, he possessed the unique skill of clearing boundaries from virtually any part of the field. His arc within the franchise saw him evolve from a dynamic player into a revered captain who carried the hopes of millions on his shoulders. He was known for his ability to perform in high-stakes knockout matches, often single-handedly shifting momentum with explosive innings. Defining moments include numerous record-breaking partnerships and individual scores that showcased his mastery over all types of bowling. His retirement marked the end of an era where innovation and flair were the primary weapons of choice.
Did You Know?
- De Villiers holds the record for the fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) and 150 (64 balls) of all time in One Day Internationals.
- He is South Africa's second-highest run-scorer in ODIs and fourth-highest in Tests as of June 2026.
- He holds the record for most Test innings without registering a duck (78).
- He scored the second-highest individual score by a South African batsman, an unbeaten 278.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is AB de Villiers?
He is a legendary South African cricketer who played for RCB from 2013 to 2021, becoming the franchise's most iconic player through his explosive batting.
Why is he called Mr. 360?
This nickname reflects his unique ability to hit powerful shots in all directions around the cricket field, redefining what was possible in limited-overs batting.
When did his time with RCB end?
His association with the team concluded after the 2021 season when he retired from active T20 league play following a decade of service.
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