PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Nickname(s): ABD, Mr. 360
Profession: Cricketer (Batsman and Wicket-keeper)
Famous For: Hitting shots 360 degrees around the cricket ground
Date of Birth: 17 February 1984
Age (as of 2022): 38 Years
Birthplace: Bela-Bela, South Africa
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Nationality: South African
Hometown: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Religion: Christianity
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Marriage Date: 30 March 2013
Beverage: Red wine
Age: 38 Years
Check Out Other Celebrities Biography
- emraan hashmi biography
- neelam gill biography
- anveshi jain biography
- tejasvi surya biography
- gurnam bhullar punjabi singer biography
EDUCATION
School: Warmbaths Primary School, Bela-Bela Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Afrikaans Boys’ High School), Pretoria
College/University: N/A
Educational Qualification: High School graduate
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 180 cm in meters – 1.80 m in feet inches – 5’ 11”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 75 kg in pounds – 165 lbs
Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 40 inches – Waist: 32 inches – Biceps: 14 inches
Eye Colour: Blue
Hair Colour: Golden Brown
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Affair/Girlfriend: Danielle de Villiers (Social Worker)
Wife/Spouse: Danielle de Villiers (m. 2013-present)
Children: Sons – Abraham de Villiers (born in 2015), John Richard de Villiers (born in 2017) Daughter – None
Parents: Father – Abraham B de Villiers Mother – Millie De Villiers
Siblings: Brothers – Jan de Villiers (Elder), Wessels de Villiers (Elder) Sister – None
Wife: Danielle De Villiers
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: ODI – 2 February 2005 against England at Bloemfontein Test – 17 December 2004 against England at Port Elizabeth T20 – 24 February 2006 against Australia at Johannesburg
Awards/Achievements: 2010 : ICC ODI Player of the Year 2014 : ICC ODI Player of the Year, South African Cricketer of the Year 2015 : ICC ODI Player of the Year, South African Cricketer of the Year, Cricketers’ Cricketer of the Year, SA Fan’s Cricketer of the Year, So Good Award
MONEY FACTOR
Career Turning Point: His performance for the Titans in the 2003-04 season, after which he was selected in the South African Test squad against the visiting team England.
Cars Collection: Audi Q7, BMW X5
Salary (as of 2018): Retainer Fee – $363,000 Test Fee – $6,925 ODI Fee – $1,900 T20 Fee – $911 IPL 11 – $2.21 million or ₹11 crore
Net Worth (approx.): $20 million
OTHER INFORMATION
International Retirement: On 19 November 2021, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. [1] ICC
Last Match: ODI – 16 February 2018 against India at SuperSport Park Test – 30 March 2018 against Australia at New Wanderers Stadium T20 – 29 October 2017 against Bangladesh at Senwes Park
Jersey Number: #17 (South Africa) #17 (Domestic)
Domestic/State Team: Africa XI, Barbados Tridents, Delhi Daredevils, Northerns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Titans
Coach/Mentor: Dean Botes
Favourite Shot: Pull shot
Records (main ones): • The 2nd youngest and the 2nd fastest South African to reach 1,000 Test runs, after Graeme Pollock. • He holds the record of hitting the fastest 50 & 100 in an ODI. • Record of reaching 7000 runs in minimum ODI matches. • Holds the record of hitting maximum sixes in an ODI inning along with Rohit Sharma . • Record of the fastest ODI 150, off 64 balls, in February 2015. • Record of the fastest ODI century, off 31 balls, against West Indies in January 2015.
Address: A bungalow in Durban, South Africa
Hobbies: Singing, Travelling, Swimming, Golfing
Cricketer(s): Batsman – Virat Kohli Bowler – Gerrit Deist, Wasim Akram Fielder – Jonty Rhodes
Cricket Ground: SuperSport Park, Centurion, South Africa
Football Team: Manchester United F.C.
Athlete(s): Roger Federer (Tennis), Tiger Woods (Golf)
Food: Pasta, Sea food
Actor: Brad Pitt
Actress: Kate Beckinsale
Film(s): Gladiator, A River Runs Through It
TV Show: The Voice SA
Band: Snow Patrol
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
AB de Villiers, a sporting prodigy, was born into a family that thrived on a love for sports, which inevitably shaped his early years. Growing up, he was encouraged to explore a variety of athletic pursuits, including cricket, badminton, tennis, squash, swimming, football, golf, and rugby. Yet, amidst this plethora of options, cricket began to capture his heart and imagination more than any other sport. His school days were marked not only by his athletic prowess but also by his mischievous spirit; he was a prankster who once faced expulsion for his antics, showcasing a blend of talent and mischief that would characterize his early life.
As his passion for cricket flourished, AB formed a close friendship with Faf du Plessis, a bond that would stand the test of time. By the age of 20, he made his debut for the South African national team after having played just 16 first-class games, a testament to his raw talent and potential. Inspired by the legendary Jonty Rhodes, known for his exceptional fielding skills, AB sought to refine his game. However, until 2008, he struggled with rashness at the crease, often throwing away his wicket. A turning point came during the first Test against England at Lord’s, where South African skipper Graeme Smith and coach Mickey Arthur issued him an ultimatum. Responding to the challenge, AB delivered a stunning performance, scoring a match-winning 174 runs in the following Test at Headingley, thus securing his position in the team.
AB de Villiers’ multifaceted talents extended beyond the cricket field; music played a significant role in his life. In 2010, he collaborated with singer-songwriter Ampie Du Preez to release a bilingual album titled “Maak Jou Drome Waar” or “Make Your Dreams Come True,” further showcasing his creative side. This blend of artistry and athleticism culminated in one of the most memorable moments in cricket history on January 18, 2015, when he shattered the record for the fastest ODI century, scoring off just 31 balls against the West Indies at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Yet, even amidst such triumphs, AB faced heart-wrenching moments, notably during the nail-biting World Cup 2015 semi-final against New Zealand, where he couldn’t hold back his tears as South Africa’s dreams of the title were dashed.
In September 2016, AB released his autobiography, “AB: The Autobiography,” providing a glimpse into both his sporting journey and personal reflections, including countering false narratives about his prowess in multiple sports. He revealed notable achievements from his school days, such as setting an Under-9 breaststroke record and ranking as the national No.1 in tennis for his age group. Renowned for his innovative approach to batting, he earned nicknames like “Mr. 360” and “Superman,” further solidifying his legacy in the cricketing world. A staunch supporter of the ‘Make a Difference Foundation,’ he dedicated himself to uplifting scholars across South Africa, embodying the spirit of giving back.
After an illustrious career, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket on May 23, 2018, in a heartfelt video message where he confessed to feeling “run out of gas.” His departure left fans in shock, yet his influence continued to resonate. On October 3, 2022, following eye surgery, AB confirmed he would not return to the sport, expressing his intention to visit Chinnaswamy Stadium not as a player but to apologize to his devoted Royal Challengers Bangalore fans for the yet-unachieved IPL title. His journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and profound connections, cements AB de Villiers as a true legend of the game.
—
Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.