Few cricketers have ever redefined batting like Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, the man fondly known as “Mr. 360°”. With his outrageous shot-making, calm demeanor, and remarkable sportsmanship, AB inspired an entire generation of cricketers to dream bigger and play freer. He could switch-hit, ramp, reverse sweep, and flick balls behind his back — all while making it look effortless.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abraham Benjamin de Villiers |
| Nickname | Mr. 360° |
| Born | 17 February 1984 |
| Birthplace | Bela-Bela, South Africa |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Role | Right-handed batsman, occasional wicketkeeper |
| Batting Style | 360° innovative strokeplay |
| Marital Status | Married to Danielle de Villiers |
| Children | Three |
| Retired | 2018 (International) |
| Famous For | Fastest ODI 50 & 100, innovative shots |
| Net Worth | Estimated $25 million (2025) |
Life & Background
AB de Villiers was born on February 17, 1984, in Warmbad (now Bela-Bela), South Africa. He grew up in Pretoria, where sport was part of everyday life. He was the youngest of three sons in a supportive Afrikaans family. His father, Dr. Abraham B de Villiers, was a sports lover and pushed his sons to excel at multiple sports.
AB attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) in Pretoria — the same school as Faf du Plessis. There, he shone not just in cricket, but also in rugby, tennis, golf, and hockey. He almost chose golf as a career before cricket took over.
Career Journey: From Proteas Star to Global Icon
Test Career
AB made his Test debut at just 20 years old against England in 2004. He began as an opening batsman but evolved into one of the most versatile players ever:
- Matches: 114
- Runs: 8,765
- Average: 50.66
- Centuries: 22
- Highest Score: 278* vs Pakistan
His adaptability was remarkable: he could bat all day in tough conditions or blast runs at a strike rate few could match.
ODI Career
AB’s ODI exploits are legendary:
- Matches: 228
- Runs: 9,577
- Average: 53.50
- Centuries: 25
- Fastest ODI 50: 16 balls vs West Indies (2015)
- Fastest ODI 100: 31 balls vs West Indies (2015)
He captained South Africa to a semi-final finish in the 2015 World Cup, where they fell agonizingly short against New Zealand.
T20I & IPL Superstar
While AB played just 78 T20Is for South Africa, scoring 1,672 runs, he became a global T20 legend thanks to the IPL:
- Starred for Delhi Daredevils and then Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he formed an iconic partnership with Virat Kohli.
- His innings against Dale Steyn in 2014 (89* off 41) is still regarded as one of the greatest IPL knocks.
- Retired from international cricket in 2018 but continued thrilling fans in leagues worldwide until 2021.
Records & Achievements
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Fastest ODI 50 | 16 balls (World record) |
| Fastest ODI 100 | 31 balls |
| Most dismissals as SA wicketkeeper | Over 200 (combined formats) |
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 2010, 2014, 2015 |
| 360° batting style | Invented unconventional shots |
| RCB Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2022 |
Family, Love Life & Relationships
AB de Villiers is known for his clean, grounded family life — a contrast to his explosive batting.
- Father: Dr. Abraham B de Villiers
- Mother: Millie de Villiers
- Siblings: Two elder brothers, Jan and Wessels de Villiers
- Wife: Danielle Swart — married in 2013 after a long courtship. AB famously proposed to her at the Taj Mahal in India.
- Children: Three kids — sons Abraham, John Richard, and daughter Yente Grace, born in 2023.
The de Villiers family often travels with AB during leagues and tours. He credits them for keeping him grounded despite the fame.
Controversies
Unlike some of his contemporaries, AB de Villiers mostly stayed away from major controversies, but a few moments stirred debate:
1. 2018 Retirement Shock
Fans and the South African cricket board were stunned when AB announced his sudden retirement in May 2018, just a year before the 2019 World Cup. Many believed his experience could have helped South Africa avoid their disastrous campaign.
2. World Cup 2019 Comeback Drama
Before the 2019 World Cup, reports emerged that AB offered to come out of retirement, but his request was declined by Cricket South Africa, causing massive fan backlash against the board.
Off the Field: The Artist, Entrepreneur & Family Man
Apart from cricket, AB de Villiers is a talented singer and guitarist. He’s released music with his friend Ampie du Preez, including the popular Afrikaans single “Maak Jou Drome Waar”.
He’s also involved in charity work through the Make A Difference Leadership Foundation, supports young cricketers, and is a regular in legends cricket events.
AB de Villiers in 2025: Life After Cricket
As of 2025, AB remains close to RCB as an advisor, mentor, and occasional commentator. He plays in Legends Leagues and continues to be a global brand ambassador for various companies.
He’s enjoying family life, spends more time golfing, and says he’s loving being a full-time dad.
