5 reasons why AB de Villiers must retire from Tests

Modified Mar 11, 2017 13:28 IST

CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 23: AB de Villiers of South Africa walks off at close of play during day two of the 4th Test at Supersport Park on January 23, 2016 in Centurion, South Africa. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — de Villiers has been the most important player for South Africa in the last decade

#2 Able replacement captain found

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 22: AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis (R) of South Africa share a drink during day 5 of the 1st Test match between South Africa and India at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on December 22, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Faf du Plessis has taken over the mantle of Test captaincy and done superbly well

de Villiers was given the limited-overs captaincy after Graeme Smith stepped down following South Africa’s exit from World Cup 2011. When Hashim Amla had succeeded Smith in Tests, de Villiers did not hesitate to express disappointment. He always wanted to lead his country in the whites and the dream did come true after Amla stepped down, hinting at wanting to concentrate on his batting.

However, de Villiers’ captaincy was not a highlight of his illustrious career. He led South Africa in just two games where he scored a mere 36 runs followed by three consecutive dismissals for a duck.

Like MS Dhoni, who knew that India would be in good hands under Virat Kohli’s leadership when he retired from Tests, de Villiers also has the luxury of knowing that South Africa have found the perfect successor in Faf du Plessis.

The new Test captain immediately produced positive results after he was made the stand-in captain during de Villiers’ absence.