I don’t think I would be half as good without AB de Villiers in the team: Dale Steyn

The retirement of AB de Villiers came across as a shocking news to the cricketing universe. With more than 20,000 runs in his international career, Mr 360 degrees bid adieu to the game. Being an inspiration to the generation for his unorthodox batting and a wide range of cricketing shots, he stepped down at the age of 34.

Superman as he’s known pointed out that he was tired and running out of gas. His Proteas teammate Dale Steyn was disappointed to not watch ABD play anymore. He further spoke about his valour in any cricket team and how ABD graced the South African with his presence.

Quite a bit of disappointment that ABD won’t be playing anymore

There had been a lot of criticism regarding AB de Villiers because of his absence from Test cricket. While he performed wonderfully on his comeback against India and Australia, his retirement shook many around the world. Steyn remarked it was a huge disappointment that he won’t be playing for South Africa anymore.

“As a matter of fact, there will be quite a bit of disappointment that he won’t be playing anymore. I have always felt good playing against the best, so when you see one of the best players drop out of international cricket, it is a sad day, because the point of challenging yourself against the best is gone. From another side, it is a relief because a lot of bowlers will go: ‘I’m not going to have as many sleepless nights’,” Dale Steyn was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

The excellence of AB De Villiers rubs off on the other teammates

Further describing him as a valuable asset, Steyn stated that even his presence in the dressing room was beneficial for the youngsters. He felt that the young guns would get huge confidence, watching and gaining inspiration from him. Other than that, he shared his personal message to ABD on retirement.

“His excellence rubs off on other people. When you are in the company of greatness, there is only one thing to do, to raise your game. I actually sent him a message yesterday and said to him, I don’t think I would be half as good as people think I am if it wasn’t for him being on the team. Without him even knowing, he made more than half the players in our team excellent players,” he told according to ESPN Cricinfo.

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