A number of cricketers, after they retire from the sport, write their autobiography, but South Africa batsman AB De Villiers, who is still plying his trade, has already penned down a book. Titled, 'AB: The Autobiography', the skipper describes it is 'a good and honest story', where he considers losing to New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal last year as his biggest disappointment, while also opening up on some controversial team selections.
Known for his amazing batting skills and wonderful fielding ability, De Villiers talks about the 2015 World Cup in detail, stating he believed that South Africa could win the title.
Their dreams of winning the WC came to an end, as they lost to New Zealand in the semifinals by four wickets in a close encounter.
The South African also spoke about the team selection for that semifinal -- when Vernon Philander was selected in place of Kyle Abbott -- which led to an emotional night for the star batsman, before the massive game. De Villiers, howeveer, did not blame the team selection for the loss, but on other factors.
"It depressed me to think of my teammates in these outdated racial terms," he wrote in the book. "'Would anyone really mind if there were three or four players of colour in our side?"
This is just one of the many compelling stories in the autobiography. De Villiers, who made his national team debut in white clothing against England in 2004, has played more than 100 Tests and 200 ODIs. So one can expect some brilliant stories in the book, which is set to be released in countries like India, the UK, Australia and New Zealand on September 8. The book was launched in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Many of us only know him as a cricketer, who has entertained us with his brilliant skills all around the world, but 'AB: The Autobiography' also touches upon his school days, various interests like music and business as well.
De Villiers hopes that his book will play an important role in helping youngsters understand the importance of chasing their dreams.
"To do something like this is crazy in a way. I don't think it's a right; it's a privilege to get this opportunity to put some kind of a message in a book and try to get it across to people who will hopefully find it inspirational. I specifically think of the younger generation and the way I can inspire them to go and chase after their dreams," city-press.news24.com quoted De Villiers as saying.
"I think there's a good message in there. It's just a good story and it's an honest story. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve. I like to be open and honest. I don't like to hide things and pretend."
The book has already received a positive response in India before its launch. Cricket fans in the nation have always loved the batsman, who has been supported in the country.
"It was probably the most humbling experience of my life walking out there in the final ODI against India at Wankhede Stadium (in 2015). I walked out there to bat and the entire crowd was cheering 'AB! AB!' and chanting so loud that I could not even hear myself talk. It was happening in the whole series, but then it hit me really hard that I was very far away from home and here the people were supporting me like I was their own, yet I was playing against their own," PTI quoted De Villiers as saying.
