'You’ve changed the way batting is seen, my brother': Virat Kohli's emotional reaction to AB de Villiers' retirement

In a shocking move, South Africa's swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday bid adieu to all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, putting an end to his 14-year-long illustrious career.

Announcing the news, the 34-year-old posted a video of himself on Twitter and said that he was 'tired' and 'running out of gas'. De Villiers, however, said that it was an extremely tough decision for him to make, and he believes that it is the right time for other talented players to take over.

Here's his tweet

I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018

While many of ABD's former team-mates reacted to his announcement, fans eagerly awaited Virat Kohli's take on the matter. The Indian captain finally put out a statement on Saturday, where he wishes the South African the best for the future. Kohli and De Villiers are greats of the modern game and have wowed audiences the world over while batting together for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

"Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You’ve changed the way batting was seen in the time you’ve played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead," Kohli wrote on Twitter.

Here's his tweet

Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You’ve changed the way batting was seen in the time you’ve played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead  @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/uxtRAPl3zA

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 26, 2018

Here is how his former teammates and other international cricketers bid him adieu

"Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you," wrote Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

ABD's former teammate and captain Jacques Kallis said that it was a pleasure to watch him grow as a batsman. "Congrats on an awesome career @ABdeVilliers17 Enjoy retirement and the extra time with your family. Was a pleasure watching you as a youngster and then becoming one of the best in the world," Kallis said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen had a very special message for AB de Villiers, claiming that life only gets better post-retirement. "Just seen that @ABdeVilliers17 retired. Congrats on an unreal career buddy! Life gets better now with family and friends!," Pietersen who himself retired in March this year, said.

Former South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher posted an adorable picture of AB de Villiers from his debut, calling him an 'inspiration'. "I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas... What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17 #legend," wrote Mark Boucher.

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said that he will miss playing cricket with de Villiers. "Gonna miss playing with mate . So many great memories of partnerships that we shared on the cricket field. Sad that we won't bat together again for the green and gold .Gonna miss you. @abdevilliers17," du Plessis wrote on Instagram.

All-rounder Albie Morkel hailed de Villiers' decision and wished him luck for life ahead. "Takes a gentleman to know when enough is enough. Was an absolute pleasure to follow your career. Now go find something difficult to do! Well done AB! @ABdeVilliers17," Albie Morkel said.

Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson too congratulated the cricketer and said that he deserves all the accolades which have come his way. "Congrats on an outstanding career. You deserve all the accolades but most importantly, time now to enjoy with your family and friends. Always the toughest to play against," Johnson wrote.

Virender Sehwag, on the other hand, believes that international cricket will be poorer without ABD. "Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world," Virender Sehwag said.

AB de Villiers has played 114 Test matches, 228 one-day internationals and 78 Twenty20 matches for the Proteas. He holds the record for the fastest one-day century, reaching the three figure mark in just 31 balls against West Indies in January 2015. He also holds the record for the fastest Test century by a South African, making 100 from 75 balls against India.

(Inputs from ANI)