3 possible players who can fit in the big shoes of AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers left the whole world shocked with the announcement of his retirement from International cricket. Usually, cricketers take retirement when fans ask ‘when’?  But, this time people are asking ‘why’? It is the legacy of Mr. 360 degrees that he had never seen cricket as a number game.

Some of the classy records in the name of de Villiers

De Villiers holds the record for the fastest 50, 100 & 150 in ODI history:

50 off 16 balls vs. WI, Johannesburg, 2015

100 off 31 balls vs. WI, Johannesburg, 2015

150 off 64 balls vs. WI, SCG, 2015

De Villiers has scored the most runs for South Africa in World Cups – 1207 runs from 22 innings; Avg 63.52; SR 117.29; 4x100s

AB de Villiers is the only player who has batted at least 20 innings in ODIs at an average of 50+ and score at a 100+ strike rate.

Not a bunch from the bench!

So, it’s time for SA to pick someone at his place who can assure a better performance at least. If we look at the bench strength of Proteas, then we can’t see a bunch of players to be given a chance, but that shouldn’t be the fate of South Africa. So, let’s predict who is capable enough to replace AB de Villiers in South African ODI Team.

#1, Aiden Markram

He made his debut for Proteas in their home test against Bangladesh, since then he has shown that he is a kind of talent that critics must note seriously. Days after his first series, Aiden smashed out on the Australian as well as on the Indian bowling line-up and this could make him the first choice for the replacement of AB.

#2, Heinrich Klaasen

Calling him classy may not go wrong because he has been proving himself, exhibiting a bundle of talent with the bat and gloves. He attracted the eyeballs of Rajasthan Royals and made them proud by merely performing at par. He is someone who can encash the goodwill earned by AB in the cricketing fraternity.

#3, Dean Elgar

Elgar can put up a better score when it comes to Test, but he can be a good choice for the ODI team as well. South Africans have a weaker opening combination which means they would look for someone who can provide them a dominant middle order, thus Elgar has an excellent chance to get the ticket of the ODI squad.

South African cricketers have always made their country proud, but South Africa would find it difficult to fill the void that AB has left in the squad. Let’s hope for a better choice!