Legend is a word that is loosely thrown around in modern day sports. However, in this case, the word ‘Legend’ does not do justice to his talents, his achievements or what he could have achieved had he played on for a few more years.
After the announcement was made, I was hoping another video comes out with him saying, “Haha.. gotcha!”, and my tears of dejection would turn into tears of joy. And I’m still waiting. Until now. But I guess it won’t be reversed. Unfortunately, at some point, one has to come to terms with reality.
Shocking as it already is, I guess it is time. Time for cricket to bid goodbye to a hero that never sat on the throne, goodbye to a character so likable that if he was on GoT people would’ve paid to keep him alive in the series until the very end.
I guess it is time. Time for him to return to his planet. Time for him to go back to where he belongs. Cricket was quite easy for him – at least that’s what he made it look like – a piece of cake. A man for all seasons, a man ready to take up every responsibility thrown at him.
When South Africa’s greatest captain, Graeme Smith retired, he was tossed the captaincy. He led the team, his batting propelled to another level. When South Africa’s greatest keeper’s career was cut short due to an eye injury, he was tossed the gloves. He accepted it and performed sublimely again. When his country needed him to score quick runs, he would get 100 off 40-50 balls. When his team was struggling to close out a Test Match, he would save it with 20 runs off 250 balls. When his team’s fielding let them down, he would single-handedly take scorchers and every commentator would scream, “YOU BEAUTY”.
For many nations, they would have a different “Best ODI cricketer”, a different “Best Test Cricketer”, a different “Best Finisher”, a different “Best Big Hitter”. But for South Africa, he was ALL IN ONE. The complete package.
He made every single person stick to the television sets. Whenever desis watched a game in which he was playing, the first question would be “ABD aane Ka baaki haina?”.
When their nation hit with turmoil because of racism and quota system was crying out for a hero, with the chants of “A.B.D” – out came a superhero who rose way above the turmoil and showed the world how this game must be played.
I guess it is time indeed. Time for Cricket’s superhuman to go back to his planet. Time for him to go back to where he belongs. Because certainly, he’s too good to be playing cricket on earth! Cricket will miss you. :'(
His Final Message before retirement !!
https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_referrer=watch&video_id=Ryn05l7MTTE
Post inspired by: http://learnersglobe.com/ab-deliveries-shocked-every-one-by-announcing-retirement-from-all-forms-of-the-game/