AB de Villiers is a South African right-handed batman who majorly plays cricket. He is known for his attacking form of playing the game.
Recently in May 2020, he was named “Greatest fielder of all Time” by Jonty Rhodes.
He is named ICC ODI Player of the Year 3 times.
He is also one of the rare talents, who made their ODI century by hitting a SIX on the last ball of the 50th over.
Biography/Wiki
Irrespective of his nationality, he is being loved to be watched playing on the field. Why so? Because of his sheer talent, experience, and charisma that he carries with him. If anyone wants to see the real invention happening right in front of him, please ask him to watch playing AB de Villiers.
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No one, other than him, can even guess what shot is he planning to play on the next delivery. That’s his class, his mastery of the game! Whether he is in front of the wickets as a batsman, behind the wickets as a wicketkeeper, or around the wickets as a fielder, he made himself versatile in every position that the team cannot even think of playing without him.
| Real Name | Abraham Benjamin de Villiers |
| Nationality | South African |
| Nickname | Mr. 360, ABD, Superman |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right arm medium |
| Role | Batsman, wicket keeper |
| Age | 41 years |
| Date of Birth | 17 February 1984 |
| Place of birth | Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Jersey Number | 17 |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Favorite Shot | Pull Shot |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Singing and Swimming |
Family
AB was born in Warmbad. His father was a doctor by profession who loves playing Rugby in his youth. He encouraged AB to make his career in sports.
Growing up in a supportive family, de Villiers was encouraged to explore various sports. He attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria, where he met lifelong friend and future teammate, Faf du Plessis. Despite myths about his prowess in multiple sports, de Villiers has clarified that cricket was his primary focus. In 2013, he married Danielle Swart, and the couple has been blessed with two sons and a daughter.
| Father | Abraham B de Villiers |
| Mother | Millie de Villiers |
| Brother | Wessels de Villiers, Jane de Villiers |
| Sister | N/A |
| Wife | Danielle de Villiers |
| Son | Abraham de Villiers, John Richard de Villiers |
Education
AB did his schooling from Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool, situated in Pretoria, South Africa. He is a graduate.
Batting Style and Nickname
Known for his innovative and unorthodox shots, de Villiers earned the nickname “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the wicket. His acrobatic fielding further solidified his reputation as a complete cricketer.
Height & Weight
| Height (Centimeters) | 178 cm, 1.78 m |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 75 kg |
| Chest’s Size | 40 Inches |
| Waist’s Size | 32 Inches |
| Biceps’ Size | 14 Inches |
| Hair Color | Golden Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Career
His first maiden ODI 100 came during the 2007 ICC cricket world cup playing against West Indies when he scored 146 runs on just 130 balls. Although his overall performance in the world cup was not up to expectations.
Later in 2008, he played very well on the field and started gaining everyone’s attention. He made a double century (217 runs) against India and helped his team in winning a test match against West Indies. His form continued and his team won the ODI series against Pakistan by 3-2. He was also named in the “World XI” in 2009 and 2010 due to his consistent performance.
In the 2011 cricket world cup, AB scored two ODI centuries and became the first South African cricketer to score 2 centuries in the single world cup. Later, he was made captain of the South Africa ODI cricket team. He kept playing and feathering new achievements in his cap.
2015 was a record-breaking year for him. He made the fastest ODI 50s and 150s and was one of the top performers at the 2015 ICC cricket world cup.
On 23rd May 2018, AB announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Record-Breaking Achievements
De Villiers holds several records that highlight his exceptional talent:
- Fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150: He set the record for the fastest half-century (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in One Day Internationals.
- Test Records: He boasts the second-highest individual score by a South African, with an unbeaten 278.
- Consistency: He went 78 innings before recording his first duck in Test cricket.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Stint
In the IPL, de Villiers showcased his prowess with the Delhi Daredevils and later, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His partnership with Virat Kohli at RCB became legendary, making him a fan favorite.
AB de Villiers’ IPL Career Statistics:
| Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184 | 5,162 | 39.70 | 3 | 40 | 133* |
AB de Villiers’ IPL Career Statistics:
| Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184 | 5,162 | 39.70 | 3 | 40 | 133* |
Girlfriend/Affairs
AB had a long-time girlfriend, Danielle Swart, whom he met in 2007 in a hotel near Waterberg Mountains. He was smitten by her eyes, hair and looks. They both started liking and dating each other. After 5 years of spending quality time with each other, AB decided to marry Danielle in 2012. During IPL 2012, AB proposed Danielle at the Taj Mahal, Agra. They both got married in South Africa on 30 March 2013.
Ab has described all his heart-warming experiences in his autobiography.
Social Media Instagram
AB is active on Instagram and has a massive fan following of more than 10 million people.
Favorites
| Cricket Bat | Kookaburra Bat |
| Batsman | Virat Kohli |
| Bowlers | Gerrit Deist, Wasim Akram |
| Movie | Gladiator, A River Runs Through It |
| Food | Pasta, Sea Food |
| Cricket Ground | SuperSport Park, Centurion, South Africa |
| Car | BMW X5 |
| TV shows | The Voice SA |
| Sports Personalities | Roger Federer, Tiger Woods |
| Musician | Snow Patrol |
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Retirement and Post-Cricket Ventures
In May 2018, de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket, expressing that he was “tired” and felt it was the right time to step away. Post-retirement, he has engaged in various endeavors, including music. In 2010, he released a bilingual pop album titled “Maak Jou Drome Waar” with friend Ampie du Preez. His autobiography, “AB: The Autobiography,” offers an intimate look into his life and career.
As Brand Ambassador
His success and fame have made him a brand ambassador for many big brands and companies for product endorsements worldwide. Some of them are :
- Montblanc
- Wrogn Active
- MRF Tyre S Global
Some other Facts
- became 3 times “ICC ODI Player of the Year”.
- was featured in Wisden Cricketers of the Decade in 2019.
- He has the record for the fastest ODI century in just 31 balls.
- hold the record for fastest ODI 50s (16 balls) and 150s (64 balls) as well.
- He was the captain of the South-African cricket team in all 3 formats.
- AB and Faf du Plessis are childhood friends.
- also known as Mr. 360 and “Superman” for his versatile play over the field.
- He released his autobiography in September 2016.
- first south African batsman to score a double century against India in 2008.
- a singer and guitar player as well.
- He released a pop album with singer “Ampie du Preez” in 2010.
Philanthropy and Charitable Endeavors
Beyond his cricketing prowess, de Villiers is deeply committed to philanthropy. He actively participates in the Make a Difference (MAD) Foundation, focusing on uplifting underprivileged children by providing educational opportunities. His dedication to this cause earned him an honorary lifetime membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2019.
In 2017, collaborating with Montblanc, de Villiers promoted UNICEF’s initiative to deliver high-quality education to children. Additionally, in 2020, he participated in the inaugural 3Team Cricket Solidarity Cup, raising 3 million Rands for charitable causes aimed at improving the lives of the less fortunate.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, AB de Villiers’ estimated net worth stands at approximately $21 million. This wealth is attributed to his cricketing career, IPL contracts, and endorsements with brands like Montblanc, Puma, and Audi.
| Retainer Fee | $ 363,000 |
| Test Fee | $ 6,925 |
| ODI Fee | $ 1,900 |
Recently, AB and Virat Kohli, have decided to auction their “Signed RCB Jerseys and bats” to raise funds for COVID-19 relief work.
Post-Retirement Activities
Following his retirement, de Villiers has remained connected to the cricketing community. In May 2022, he was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame, honoring his significant contributions to the franchise.
While he has stepped away from professional play, de Villiers continues to engage with fans and the sport through various platforms, sharing insights and experiences from his illustrious career.
These facets of AB de Villiers’ life underscore his commitment not only to cricket but also to making a positive impact beyond the boundary ropes.
Conclusion
AB de Villiers’ journey from a young talent in Pretoria to an international cricket icon is inspiring. His records, sportsmanship, and contributions both on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket.