5 reasons why AB de Villiers must retire from Tests

Sakshi
CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 23:  AB de Villiers of South Africa walks off at close of play during day two of the 4th Test at Supersport Park on January 23, 2016 in Centurion, South Africa.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
de Villiers has been the most important player for South Africa in the last decade

#4 Focus on only ODI format

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 24:  Francois du Plessis of South Africa, Imran Tahir of South Africa, Hashim Amla of South Africa, AB de Villiers of South Africa and Quinton de Kock of South Africa celebrate the wicket of Martin Guptill of New Zealand during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on March 24, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand.  (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
de Villiers is still one of the best ODI batsmen in the world

de Villiers has been South Africa’s wicketkeeper, captain, key batsman, best fielder and, at times, bowler too. He has done everything he could for his country. Despite that, his dream still remains a dream – South Africa are yet to lift the coveted ICC Cricket World Cup’s trophy.

The South African’s recent decisions have clearly given out the message that his only aim at present is to work towards the 2019 World Cup. No matter what, he wants to remain fit and available for the massive tournament and evidently, it’s his last attempt to help his team win the prestigious competition.

In order to keep free from injuries and have a clear mind, de Villiers must drop the longest format and just devote himself to 50 and 20-over game. “With the schedules these days, it's really tough to play all formats, especially at the age of 32, when most cricketers don't go past the age of 35. If you do the math, it takes to me to 2019, 2020 at the most. Hopefully, by then I will still be fit and be there to lift the trophy with the boys,” a determined de Villiers said.

This will mean that he will be able to divide his time properly between his national commitments and his family. It will only help him clear his mind and start fresh every time he comes on the field.

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