Abraham Benjamin de Villiers—better known as AB de Villiers—is more than a cricketer. He’s a phenomenon, a magician with the bat, and a once-in-a-generation talent who redefined what was possible on a cricket field. Born on February 17, 1984, in Pretoria, South Africa, AB was a prodigy in every sense. As a schoolboy, he excelled in rugby, golf, tennis, swimming, and hockey, but it was cricket that eventually captured his imagination—and, later, the world's. AB made his international debut in 2004 at just 20 years old, walking into a Proteas side that was in transition. His early performances were marked by promise, but it wasn’t long before his full potential began to blossom. What set de Villiers apart wasn’t just talent—it was adaptability. He could graft in tough conditions or explode at will, often in the same innings. As a wicketkeeper, fielder, or pure batter, he offered versatility like no other. Over the years, AB de Villiers earned nicknames like "Mr. 360" and "Superman" because of his unorthodox strokeplay and freakish athleticism. He could ramp fast bowlers over fine leg, reverse sweep spinners for six, and send balls sailing over cover on one knee. His knock of 149 off 44 balls against West Indies in 2015, which included the fastest ODI century (off 31 balls), remains one of the most jaw-dropping innings in cricket history. But AB wasn't just a showman—he was a fighter. In Tests, he played several stonewalling innings, including a legendary 33* off 220 balls against Australia to save a Test match in 2012. His commitment to the team’s cause was absolute, and he was as much a craftsman in whites as he was a destroyer in colored kits. Between 2004 and 2018, AB represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, scoring over 20,000 international runs with 47 centuries. He captained the team at various points and was a core part of South Africa’s golden generation that, despite brilliance, never quite conquered an ICC World Cup—a fact that haunts fans more than it seems to haunt AB himself. In May 2018, AB de Villiers stunned the world by announcing his retirement from international cricket, citing mental and physical fatigue. Though fans pleaded for a return ahead of the 2019 and 2021 World Cups, AB stood by his decision, choosing instead to focus on franchise cricket and family life. Off the field, AB is known for his humility, calm demeanor, and love for music—he’s even released a bilingual pop album. A devoted family man, he often speaks about how much his wife Danielle and his children mean to him. As of 2025, AB de Villiers continues to inspire cricketers worldwide. Though retired, his legacy is alive in the fearless batting of the next generation. He’s a symbol of joy, creativity, and freedom in cricket—a player who reminded the world that, sometimes, sport can be poetry in motion.