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AB de Villiers resigns as South Africa ODI captain

"It has been an honour to lead the team for the past six years, but it is now time for someone else to take the ODI side forward." - AB de Villiers

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ABD during 2017 Champions Trophy © Getty Images

Following a string of injuries, AB de Villiers has resigned as South Africa ODI captain. A little less than a year ago, de Villiers had passed on the leadership baton to Faf du Plessis in Tests. The reason was same: an unfit ABD. Although he was back for the 2017 Champions Trophy, South Africa had failed to qualify for the semi-finals under him. Before that, South Africa had lost to England 1-2 in ODIs. Ever since, AB has not played any competitive cricket. He then voluntarily refused to be a part of the Test series in England, which they lost 1-3.

“Faf du Plessis has proved to be an outstanding captain of the T20 and Test teams, and bearing this in mind, I have informed Cricket South Africa that I would like to step down as captain of the ODI team. It has been an honour to lead the team for the past six years, but it is now time for someone else to take the ODI side forward. Whoever is chosen as the new ODI captain will have my complete support,” said AB after serving as South Africa ODI captain for 6 years. Read full transcript here

Swords were out when AB pulled out of the Test series. From Herschelle Gibbs to Ashwell Prince, former players had lashed out at his decision.

“A lot has been said and written over the past 12 months, and I feel it is time to make my position absolutely clear. Over the past year or so, I have tried to manage many commitments. I have felt mentally and physically tired; my wife and I are bringing up two fantastic kids and playing in all three formats ever since 2004 has taken its toll.

“Together with Cricket South Africa, we have tried to develop a viable schedule which allows me to prolong my career for as long as possible,” said Mr 360 degree.

De Villiers captained South Africa in 103 matches, emerging victorious 59 times. He scored 4,796 runs at 63.94.

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