The 37-year-old South African cricketer's decision effectively also ended his association with his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
A B de Villiers believes Royal Challengers Bangalore Captain Virat Kohli sets the right example by leading from the front.
'Great start for RCB and it really is looking good. We are not going into the space of, 'Is this the year (RCB will win the IPL)?'
IPL 2021 got off to a perfect start as A B de Villiers' stunning late assault helped Royal Challengers Bangalore upset champions Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball finish in the opening game in Chennai on Friday.
Walking out with intent and flair, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed a quickfire 51 off just 56 deliveries in the morning session, propelling England to a strong 387.
'It's great to see him stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new shots, and exploring different aspects of his game.'
Tributes poured in for AB de Villiers after the South African batter on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, with Indian maestro Virat Kohli aptly summing up his greatness by calling him the "best player of our times".
'Look at the batting line-up -- it's pure power, then a mix of power and control.'
'If RCB lifts the trophy, I will be there celebrating with Virat!'
On Sunday, after leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders. De Villiers said he was looking to make a comeback to international cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup.
'Been playing around with the guys a bit, I'm also feeling like a young kid ready to go again, very excited to play cricket again.'
After the first phase, which saw CSK openers dominating the proceedings, it's their bowlers who are coming to their own in the second phase.
The former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular on franchise circuit.
When AB de Villiers is in full flow, no target is beyond him. Rajasthan Royals discovered it the hard way when de Villiers came up with an incredible exhibition of strokeplay in the death overs to take Royal Challengers Bangalore to a seven-wicket victory from a difficult position.
Has Suryakumar Yadav eclipsed the legendary A B de Villiers in the T20 format?
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present Rediff's three best performing players in all the 17 IPLs (2008-2024).
The victory brought overwhelming joy and relief
This is only the second time that Punjab Kings reached the IPL final, while it is the fourth time that RCB have made it to the title clash.
Virat Kohli paid tribute to Dr Abraham Benjamin Villiers.
New South African captain AB de Villiers said he is still motivated to perform in all forms of international cricket and hopes the responsibility of being appointed South Africa Test captain will improve his performances. But confirmed there was 'a bit of truth' in rumours he was considering retirement.
'There's a lot that needs to happen before that becomes reality, but I would love to'
Leading the celebrations was cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who praised RCB's long-awaited victory with a touch of poetic symmetry.
With the backdrop of an orange hue of a glorious sun, at an undisclosed location Viru and Anushka are seen submerged in water, drowned in each other. It's the perfect click at a perfect moment, a heart-stealer.
Coach Darren Lehmann said Brisbane had been keen to re-sign the South African, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League, but factors emerged that "changed everyone's plans".
Despite the impressive record that the WTC finalists are in possession of, Bangar doesn't believe the Proteas or the Baggy Greens will receive an edge over the other in the Ultimate Test, which is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday.
Kohli and de Villers -- the two talismans had raised the batting standards in the IPL year after year and shattered numerous records along the way.
West Indies' batsman Chris Gayle said he hopes for Kohli to win the elusive title for RCB.
Kohli was also congratulated by his friend and Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli described team-mate AB de Villiers's unbeaten 33-ball 73, which set up a comprehensive victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Monday, as "superhuman" effort.
The issue came to light after Boucher and former spinner Paul Adams testified that the latter was given a nickname which has racial overtones by his national team-mates, including the current head coach.
'I am uncertain about giving a definite answer because I have been very hurt and burned in the past. Then people will again think I have turned my back on our country. I can't just walk into the team.'
Washington Sundar is in awe of AB de Villiers and feels that the South African swashbuckler's legendary ability to perform multiple tasks, including wicket-keeping, lend balance to the IPL side.
'We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year which is fantastic and it's great for the tournament.'
The 37-year-old AB De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s for South Africa, said he is "looking after and mentoring some youngsters with potential and ability for the last few years."
AB de Villiers along with Imran Tahir and Chris Morris have now been given a deadline to make themselves available if they want to make the cut to South Africa's squad for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has confirmed that AB de Villiers is in talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to play the upcoming T20 World Cup.
CSK rope in South African Dewald Brevis as replacement for injured Gurjapneet.
KL Rahul topples David Warner's record, fastest batter to score 5000 IPL runs
'We did not bat well and we were not able to string any partnership. We were expecting a little dew and it would have made it difficult for the Delhi bowlers. Look, it was a fair game and it was dry throughout the 40 overs, Delhi were a better team against us. We were thinking that the dew might come in and that is why we opted to chase'
Royals Challengers Bangalore are experiencing one of its finest IPL seasons and batting maestro AB de Villiers says his team wants to top the points table on its way to the play-offs of the ongoing edition.