5 times when AB de Villiers was the lone warrior for South Africa and RCB in losing causes

After announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2018, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. His decision took the world by storm as social media was flooded with congratulatory messages and tributes for the batting maestro. The influential genius was one of his kind. 

The legend has many unmatched achievements to his name. Be it international cricket or in the IPL as well, the Proteas batter always contributed for his team more often than not. While his critics keep pointing out the fact that he never won an ICC trophy or an IPL trophy, the reality is he was as valuable as a trophy.

Over the years, there have been several instances where the 37-year-old played the lone warrior knock. South Africa (SA) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore have witnessed a lot of games where he was the only player who performed well for their team.

Here are 5 occasions when AB de Villiers was the lone warrior for South Africa and RCB in losing causes:

1) 43 off 297 vs India (2015)

Despite this not being a fifty or a hundred, this knock has to be one of the greatest knocks of all time. Grit, determination, perseverance, fortitude, this performance had it all. This 43 proved how versatile the batting legend truly is.

While the fans generally associate ABD as an aggressive player, those who have closely watched his career wouldn’t be shocked by this knock. It came in the fourth and final Test against India in 2015. While trying to save the Test, the former Proteas captain played out of his skin in an attempt to draw the game, and salvage some pride as India had already won the series.

He batted for 297 deliveries for his 43. He managed to frustrate the Indian bowlers so much that they then focused on dismissing the other batters and not him. However, his valiant efforts went in vain as India finally managed to dismiss him and in the process, went on to win the match as well.