This is what Graeme Smith said about ABD's retirement
What's the story
According to former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers retirement is a huge blow to the South African national team. The void left behind due to retirement AB de Villiers will be hard to fill. Smith compared the South African batting legend's absence similar to taking Virat Kohli out of the Indian national team.
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ABD is irreplaceable according to Graeme Smith
"There are also quality players there but it's like taking Virat Kohli out of the Indian team. SA lost an X-factor player, who can single-handedly win you a game," Graeme Smith said.
Untimely
Smith was shocked by ABD's retirement
ABD announced his retirement from international cricket with an immediate effect on May 23 after the conclusion of RCB's 2018 IPL campaign. Many expected the dashing right-handed batsman to compete at the World Cup next year, as it would have been a fitting end to his career. With a few more months to go for the premier tournament, Smith believes that ABD is irreplaceable.
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ABD will be missed at the 2019 World Cup
"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. To lose a player like AB, he's irreplaceable' Smith said.
Family man
Family commitments came in ABD's way says Smith
Smith admitted that the pressure of international cricket and the constant traveling might have been the reasons why AB de Villiers opted to hang his boots. AB de Villiers is a father of two kids. Smith concluded that after playing international cricket for almost 15 years, family pressure makes it difficult to continue.