Losing AB is like taking Kohli out of the Indian Team - Graeme Smith

Click Here To Promote Anything On The Above Place

Since AB de Villiers has retired from International cricket it's been an emotional few days for his fans as well as former players. South Africa's former skipper Graeme Smith said that AB's retirement came as a big blow to South Africa. He compared AB's retirement with India's superstar Virat Kohli and said that losing AB is like Virat Kohli quitting Indian team.

"To lose a player like AB, he's irreplaceable. There are also quality players there but it's like taking Virat Kohli out of the Indian team. SA lose an X-factor player, who can single-handedly win you a game," Smith stated.



"Ultimately people will be very disappointed because they are going to miss him, just because he was that brilliant. They wanted to see him play more," Smith added.

Keep in mind, AB de Villiers announced his retirement on 23 May. His decision came out as a shock to the many players as he was expected to play in 2019 world cup. Especially after knowing that de Villiers was in excellent form. He had very good home series against Australia and also was in top form in recently concluded Indian Premier League.

"I thought definitely he would retire after the 2019 World Cup. But when he made his comeback and did so well in the home summer in South Africa, had a really good IPL, I didn't even think about it," Smith added.



However, Smith also believes that responsibility of his family and constant traveling might have played a big role in his decision. Perhaps the pressure of international cricket has made de Villiers really tired.

"There are not many players who have played for 14-15 years that can travel nine, 10, 11 months a year, deal with the pressures, plus the family pressures, it's very, very difficult.

"The guy has played international cricket for around 15 years. More than anything he has the right to decide when he's had enough. He will have his own reasons for that, you got to respect that," Smith noted.

For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.

Thanks for the reading.