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AB de Villiers - The Autobiography
'AB has become the most valuable cricketer on the planet' Adam Gilchrist AB de Villiers is one of the finest batsmen ever to play cricket, and yet his achievement extends beyond his outrageous armoury of drives, pulls, paddles, scoops and flicks. Whether he is delighting home crowds at the Wanderers or Newlands or setting new records in Bengaluru or Sydney, he plays the game in a whole-hearted manner that projects a positive image of his country around the world, and also makes millions of South Africans feel good about themselves. This is AB's story, in his own words. The story of the youngest of three talented, sports-mad brothers growing up in Warmbaths, of a boy who excelled at tennis, rugby and cricket, of a youngster who made his international debut at the age of twenty and was then selected in every single test played by South Africa for the next eleven seasons, of a batsman who has started to redefine the art, being ranked among the world's very best in test, ODI and T20. Through all the pyrotechnics and consistency, AB has remained a true sportsman - quick to deflect praise, swift to praise opponents, eager to work hard, to embrace the team's next challenge and to relish what he still regards as the huge privilege of representing his country. This is the story of a modern sporting phenomenon.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
187 people are currently reading
1832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 26, 2020
Born and brought up in Bela-Bela South Africa, AB is the youngest child always surrounded by boys. His two elder brothers and family loved sports, and he grew up playing cricket in his backyard. When so many youngsters figuring out their plans and prepare for college studies, this South African cricketer played his debut match in 2004 at the age of 20.
He has played different sports before Cricket and excels in them. He also cleared the misconceptions around the titles he won or won't in Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, Badminton, Sprint, and Golf. He mentioned how valuable his team and teammates were to him. He openly praised every person who supports him in his journey.
He mentioned the significant roles played by several coaches, executives, and managers that show his down to earthiness behavior. He always put his team first, but he also values his family. Unlike Kevin Pietersen's autobiography, this book is filled with AB's cricket career by each year, and every game he played. So, for some readers who are not much into the statistics, the chapters seem tedious.
AB de Villiers also talked about having a policy of white players in the team, but his opinions appear diplomatic. It is hard for white people to play for South Africa, that's why Kevin Pietersen moved to England. I wonder if he got a chance, what will happen? AB and Kevin both playing for SA, no wonder, the audience goes crazy.
Being an Indian, it is an honor that AB dedicates a whole chapter to India. He considered Bengaluru as his home town in India. So many international players get fame and money from IPL, AB is also one of them. He gave insights about his struggles in the IPL team, and how he proved his worth. When Indians chant his name from the stands, it overwhelms him. He also proposed to Danielle in India, in front of the Taj Mahal.
The book lacks personal moments with family, but it is loaded with the team's achievements and lessons from the losses. The speeches and mottos that helped them to go on, his role as a captain, and a team player are worth reading.
It is vital to have supporting mates and coaches, especially when they spend a lot of time collectively. When IPL starts, the SA cricket board backed the players and allows them to perform there without any difficulties, unlike Britishers, who backlashed KP. The Proteas help each other to grow, which is inspiring. For him, playing for South Africa is the greatest and most honorable thing in his life. For me, watching him play great innings is one of the most pleasant times of my life. If you're a fan of him, do read his story in his own words.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
He has played different sports before Cricket and excels in them. He also cleared the misconceptions around the titles he won or won't in Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, Badminton, Sprint, and Golf. He mentioned how valuable his team and teammates were to him. He openly praised every person who supports him in his journey.
He mentioned the significant roles played by several coaches, executives, and managers that show his down to earthiness behavior. He always put his team first, but he also values his family. Unlike Kevin Pietersen's autobiography, this book is filled with AB's cricket career by each year, and every game he played. So, for some readers who are not much into the statistics, the chapters seem tedious.
AB de Villiers also talked about having a policy of white players in the team, but his opinions appear diplomatic. It is hard for white people to play for South Africa, that's why Kevin Pietersen moved to England. I wonder if he got a chance, what will happen? AB and Kevin both playing for SA, no wonder, the audience goes crazy.
Being an Indian, it is an honor that AB dedicates a whole chapter to India. He considered Bengaluru as his home town in India. So many international players get fame and money from IPL, AB is also one of them. He gave insights about his struggles in the IPL team, and how he proved his worth. When Indians chant his name from the stands, it overwhelms him. He also proposed to Danielle in India, in front of the Taj Mahal.
The book lacks personal moments with family, but it is loaded with the team's achievements and lessons from the losses. The speeches and mottos that helped them to go on, his role as a captain, and a team player are worth reading.
It is vital to have supporting mates and coaches, especially when they spend a lot of time collectively. When IPL starts, the SA cricket board backed the players and allows them to perform there without any difficulties, unlike Britishers, who backlashed KP. The Proteas help each other to grow, which is inspiring. For him, playing for South Africa is the greatest and most honorable thing in his life. For me, watching him play great innings is one of the most pleasant times of my life. If you're a fan of him, do read his story in his own words.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
January 5, 2017
This book is speechless , inspiring and fabulous, just like ABD himself. ABD has explained every aspect of his life in such a way that you can easily visualize each and everything.
The first chapter wherein he describes his Fastest ODI century and the adventures of his childhood .
The book is written precisely by the masterclass himself,no where he dominates his status in the book,his life is described as a boy who turned a superstar,He described every chapter of his life meticulously inspires us throughout the book.
I literally cried when I read where he mentioned THE DREAM CHAPTER ("Never in my wildest dreams and I dreamed a lot as a barefoot youngster growing up in a small town did I ever imagine this could happen to me" ). His Autobiography is a masterpiece. A journey of a legend from the local grounds at South Africa to the grounds in Sydney and India. I am just loving each and every word he mentioned here, the Most humble, genuine, genius and selfless cricketer of the modern era.
WORLD BEST CRICKETER - ABD
I recommend this book for every ABD fan and cricket lover. It's Awesome book like 360 "ABD"
Rating: 5/5
The first chapter wherein he describes his Fastest ODI century and the adventures of his childhood .
The book is written precisely by the masterclass himself,no where he dominates his status in the book,his life is described as a boy who turned a superstar,He described every chapter of his life meticulously inspires us throughout the book.
I literally cried when I read where he mentioned THE DREAM CHAPTER ("Never in my wildest dreams and I dreamed a lot as a barefoot youngster growing up in a small town did I ever imagine this could happen to me" ). His Autobiography is a masterpiece. A journey of a legend from the local grounds at South Africa to the grounds in Sydney and India. I am just loving each and every word he mentioned here, the Most humble, genuine, genius and selfless cricketer of the modern era.
WORLD BEST CRICKETER - ABD
I recommend this book for every ABD fan and cricket lover. It's Awesome book like 360 "ABD"
Rating: 5/5
November 15, 2017
Since it is an autobiography, a telling of someone’s life story, I will not rate it anything less than full.
It is common knowledge that South African cricketer AB de Villiers is a phenomenon on his own. I don’t think any cricketer is loved as unconditionally across nations as he is. His humility, his humanity, his understated swashbuckling nature, his devotion to the sport and his family, and his smile that reflects his good natured heart are what defines him. And to read his story in his own words – sometimes heartwarmingly humorous – in AB de Villiers – The Autobiography, was something of an emotional journey for me as a quiet admirer.
The reason I picked up this book (Kindle e-book version) was because of my love for AB de Villiers, but after reading it, I know that knowing AB’s journey makes me admire him so much more than I could ever have expected!
Thank you, the de Villiers clan! The world is so much better knowing the youngest de Villiers brother!
Full review posted at: https://themelodramaticbookworm.wordp...
It is common knowledge that South African cricketer AB de Villiers is a phenomenon on his own. I don’t think any cricketer is loved as unconditionally across nations as he is. His humility, his humanity, his understated swashbuckling nature, his devotion to the sport and his family, and his smile that reflects his good natured heart are what defines him. And to read his story in his own words – sometimes heartwarmingly humorous – in AB de Villiers – The Autobiography, was something of an emotional journey for me as a quiet admirer.
The reason I picked up this book (Kindle e-book version) was because of my love for AB de Villiers, but after reading it, I know that knowing AB’s journey makes me admire him so much more than I could ever have expected!
Thank you, the de Villiers clan! The world is so much better knowing the youngest de Villiers brother!
Full review posted at: https://themelodramaticbookworm.wordp...
August 28, 2022
I love 🅰️🅱️❗
Can a player's retirement plummet your interest in watching a sport? A.B.D.'s retirement did it for me. I have been an admirer of him since I started following the sport. A.B.D. tops the list of all my favourite athletes. A player who redefined modern-day cricket. A player who can take the game on against the best in the world. The 31 ball hundred amongst the rapid-fire knocks or the barrage of defensive shots against AUSTRALIA and INDIA in test format are just a few of the many exhilarating moments I've experienced while watching him play. More words would make it a biased write-up which can seemingly become an extended essay if not interrupted. A.B.D. is a genius. I got to catch a different standpoint of my favourite cricketing moments and the ones I didn't have knowledge of. I would have liked the book to have included the time until his retirement. But the 2016 IPL final and 2015 ODI world cup semi-final were also a fitting ending to the book about a great entertainer who seemed to be short of luck in the crunch moments. For me, the initials A.B. are very very special and will never be replaced.
Few quotes like "If we had taken two or more of these chances, we would certainly have won. By such tiny margins, dreams either come true... or remain just dreams" and the conversation between Virat Kohli and A.B.D. at the end of the book were poignant.
Can a player's retirement plummet your interest in watching a sport? A.B.D.'s retirement did it for me. I have been an admirer of him since I started following the sport. A.B.D. tops the list of all my favourite athletes. A player who redefined modern-day cricket. A player who can take the game on against the best in the world. The 31 ball hundred amongst the rapid-fire knocks or the barrage of defensive shots against AUSTRALIA and INDIA in test format are just a few of the many exhilarating moments I've experienced while watching him play. More words would make it a biased write-up which can seemingly become an extended essay if not interrupted. A.B.D. is a genius. I got to catch a different standpoint of my favourite cricketing moments and the ones I didn't have knowledge of. I would have liked the book to have included the time until his retirement. But the 2016 IPL final and 2015 ODI world cup semi-final were also a fitting ending to the book about a great entertainer who seemed to be short of luck in the crunch moments. For me, the initials A.B. are very very special and will never be replaced.
Few quotes like "If we had taken two or more of these chances, we would certainly have won. By such tiny margins, dreams either come true... or remain just dreams" and the conversation between Virat Kohli and A.B.D. at the end of the book were poignant.
April 27, 2017
Autobiographies can be a bit boring if the narration and the content have not been taken care of. But I like the way AB formed and narrated the whole book. You feel like you are living with AB throughout. I mean you really are in his head when he is scoring a 31 ball century, and you know exactly how he is feeling when he is going out to bat and then what he is thinking precisely after every over. Similarly you feel like you are at the field when Dale Styeyn is bowling to Grant Elliot with New Zealand requiring just 5 runs to enter the 2015 world cup final.
Another great thing about the book is that he has never elaborated any of the matches or his innings more than requisite and he often sticks to the parts that were either unknown or interesting. Sometimes he presents a well-known scenario with a completely new perspective. I found so many little but interesting anecdotes that I never lost interest, even for a para. Maybe it was because I didn’t follow South African cricket that closely, but am pretty sure the way the incidents are presented will incite interest in everyone. His changed approach towards test cricket after his first double hundred against India at Ahmedabad OR the bumped catch incident against England OR when he was out on a ball which bounced twice are few among many. Even his first test duck incident was as interesting as his highest test score of 278* (a South African record that time) which co-incidentally happened on his mom’s birthday.
Obviously the details of his early life before he became a successful cricketer were even more interesting and completely fresh. I will always remember 20 Mentz Avenue and Affies whenever I’ll watch him play now. The small facts such as he and Faf were batchmates in Affies or AB carried Jacques rudolph’s bag (An Affies' tradition) kept the book as interesting as it was. He shared some personal things as well such as his school friends’ whatsapp group "Oerbuds", his friendship with morkel brothers and the time he rented apartment with them, his proposal to Danielle at The Taj and his wedding details with the song written by his wife. I liked the part with his golf match with Ernie Els the most. We all know AB as a cricketer but it was really great getting to know him as a person. He has dedicated a whole chapter to South Africa, not cricket but the country in general that shows how much he loves his country, and the description of porteafire and the song he made is really inspiring. He even dedicated one small chapter to India, which ends with "क्रिकेट खेलने के लिए सबसे अच्छी जगह भारत है".
Above all I like the book because of the honesty with which it’s written. People do all kind of stuff to make a book sensational (remember shoaib, flintoff or even gilly for that matter) but I love the way AB put all his feeling without making it controversial and believe me he has talked about a lot of things. For example how he hates the Choker word and how he doesn’t like to face media after losing, how he was surprised to find out his auction value in 1st IPL and the importance of that money. He even wrote about the racism issue in South African cricket as well but he has kept all of it non-controversial and presents it in the best possible way. I liked AB quite much before reading this biography but now I like him more and he definitely deserves all the appreciations for this book.
Another great thing about the book is that he has never elaborated any of the matches or his innings more than requisite and he often sticks to the parts that were either unknown or interesting. Sometimes he presents a well-known scenario with a completely new perspective. I found so many little but interesting anecdotes that I never lost interest, even for a para. Maybe it was because I didn’t follow South African cricket that closely, but am pretty sure the way the incidents are presented will incite interest in everyone. His changed approach towards test cricket after his first double hundred against India at Ahmedabad OR the bumped catch incident against England OR when he was out on a ball which bounced twice are few among many. Even his first test duck incident was as interesting as his highest test score of 278* (a South African record that time) which co-incidentally happened on his mom’s birthday.
Obviously the details of his early life before he became a successful cricketer were even more interesting and completely fresh. I will always remember 20 Mentz Avenue and Affies whenever I’ll watch him play now. The small facts such as he and Faf were batchmates in Affies or AB carried Jacques rudolph’s bag (An Affies' tradition) kept the book as interesting as it was. He shared some personal things as well such as his school friends’ whatsapp group "Oerbuds", his friendship with morkel brothers and the time he rented apartment with them, his proposal to Danielle at The Taj and his wedding details with the song written by his wife. I liked the part with his golf match with Ernie Els the most. We all know AB as a cricketer but it was really great getting to know him as a person. He has dedicated a whole chapter to South Africa, not cricket but the country in general that shows how much he loves his country, and the description of porteafire and the song he made is really inspiring. He even dedicated one small chapter to India, which ends with "क्रिकेट खेलने के लिए सबसे अच्छी जगह भारत है".
Above all I like the book because of the honesty with which it’s written. People do all kind of stuff to make a book sensational (remember shoaib, flintoff or even gilly for that matter) but I love the way AB put all his feeling without making it controversial and believe me he has talked about a lot of things. For example how he hates the Choker word and how he doesn’t like to face media after losing, how he was surprised to find out his auction value in 1st IPL and the importance of that money. He even wrote about the racism issue in South African cricket as well but he has kept all of it non-controversial and presents it in the best possible way. I liked AB quite much before reading this biography but now I like him more and he definitely deserves all the appreciations for this book.
February 3, 2017
Ab De Villiers is one of the most astonishing cricketer of all time. He can do everything from pulling off breathtaking catches to hitting bizarre sixes. He has never failed to amaze us fans with his spectacular gallery of shots containing everything from reverse sweeps to amazing drives. As a fielder, he is the best in the world. This is his journey as a sportsman, a humble person and most importantly a respectable citizen of South Africa. The book not only talks about cricket but about his hobbies and passions too.
He grew up in a sport loving family. He was attracted to sport naturally. While growing up, he was an impeccable sportsman who excelled at tennis, rugby and cricket and was the youngest of three mad, sport loving brothers. For him, sport was his profession since he started playing a variety of sports with his brothers and their friends.
The book describes every single moment of his epic journey through his own words. From debuting for the titans to smashing the world's fastest century against the West Indies, from hitting sixes in the Indian premier league to encouraging the development of South Africa off the field through protea fire. Ab De Villiers has never failed to amaze us, whether he is at home or smashing a swashbuckling century.
He grew up in a sport loving family. He was attracted to sport naturally. While growing up, he was an impeccable sportsman who excelled at tennis, rugby and cricket and was the youngest of three mad, sport loving brothers. For him, sport was his profession since he started playing a variety of sports with his brothers and their friends.
The book describes every single moment of his epic journey through his own words. From debuting for the titans to smashing the world's fastest century against the West Indies, from hitting sixes in the Indian premier league to encouraging the development of South Africa off the field through protea fire. Ab De Villiers has never failed to amaze us, whether he is at home or smashing a swashbuckling century.
December 21, 2016
The least you expect from one of the most exciting and remarkable sportspersons of this generation is a passionate and exciting tale. While passionate in patches, AB de Villiers' autobiography pales in comparison to his batting strictly defining it on excitement parameters. Worse still, we find him using the same cliched template that many autobiographies have used before. Now cliched is the word that you will hardly associate with AB de Villiers. To his credit, he remains honest and loyal to cricket throughout and pours his heart out in couple of sequences and true to his personality, he doesn't rake up any meaningless controversies either. He remains mostly guarded. Between what he said, most of the things remain unsaid. The man who could be credited with revolutionising the game; the way the game is played today, speaks little about his approach and process and addresses very little about other aspects of cricket that go with the game today. He has redefined batting in limited overs cricket, but this book is unlikely to be a game changer as his batting.
January 19, 2017
AB The Autobiography is an outstanding autobiography I have read in recent time. ABD has this capability to transport readers to cricket field. He has described matches ball by ball in the most nail biting manner. It was like watching the live matches.
It was treat to read about his childhood days playing various kinds of sports and his cricket stint with his elder brothers.
He has written separate chapter about his experience in India while playing IPl matches, thanking Indians for their love and support.
It is a must read.
Follow the link to read full review
https://t.co/3ISx2Zdt5r
It was treat to read about his childhood days playing various kinds of sports and his cricket stint with his elder brothers.
He has written separate chapter about his experience in India while playing IPl matches, thanking Indians for their love and support.
It is a must read.
Follow the link to read full review
https://t.co/3ISx2Zdt5r
April 29, 2019
Expected more from this book. Just too many stats which can be rather flat and dour at times. A few good insights but on the whole, it was not great, unlike the batsman he is !
October 5, 2016
Lovely book to achieve the challenge I had set out for this year. 39 books.. Was quite a journey and had fun in reading 39 books in just under 10 months.
Now on to the book, this book is an attempt by AB De Villiers to provide a view of his journey from a small boy from a town in South Africa to becoming one of the best in the game and someone who is universally liked by all cricket fans. The chants of " ABD ABD" will reverberate the hallowed gardens of the stadiums across the world for a long time to come.
What I liked about the book was the humility that he has exhibited right through the book which is a reflection of the humility that he has shown on the field. He has given credit where it is due and has shown immense respect for his parents, elder brothers, his child hood friends and teammates, his coaches and above all God. He has spoken about his relationship to religion and God in a very dignified way as something that he believes in and he would continue to believe in without forcing it on others.
One thing that shines through is his love for sport in general. He has busted certain myths about his qualifications across sports but he has played quite a number of sports at school level and the feeling I was left with, was that he would have excelled in any sport that he would have pursued and it is just that cricket and cricket fans got lucky that he chose Cricket.
His deep admiration for the other cricketers is evident through out the book and in particular, his deep respect for Smith, Boucher and Kallis. He reveres them and considers it his privilege to have walked the path that they walked and to have shared dressing room with them.
His deep rooted ambition of seeing South Africa win an ICC tournament is extremely evident and is one of the few on field incidents that he has chosen to explain, particularly the pain of losing the semifinals in the 2015 World Cup. This is his main burning ambition and the way he narrates every attempt at winning an ICC Trophy would make the fans root for him the next time he plays one.
Actual narrations about the matches he had played are only far and few between. Little more information and insights about those matches could have made the book even more interesting but that would have come with the trade off of a larger book. However, the incidents that have been narrated are interesting though..
Finally, an entire chapter had been written on India, the crowds, effect of IPL and the way the Indian crowds have identified with him. He seems genuinely surprised by the chants of ABD, first during IPL when playing for RCB and then during an ODI match against India..
It was a lovely book to read about a great cricketer, an icon and more than anything else a genuinely good human being..
I loved the way the book had ended with the narrative about IPL 2016, the resurgence of RCB, the eventual loss in finals and a conversation he had with Virat. I loved Virat's answer to ABD's question of how long he will continue to play, the answer being that he will play forever and ABD replying if only that was possible. Somehow those final few lines epitomized to me what ABD is all about. He chose to end the book with a conversation which not only highlighted his view but also Virat's passion to the game. I feel that I'd what ABD is - an out and out team man always putting others before self and his interests.
Now on to the book, this book is an attempt by AB De Villiers to provide a view of his journey from a small boy from a town in South Africa to becoming one of the best in the game and someone who is universally liked by all cricket fans. The chants of " ABD ABD" will reverberate the hallowed gardens of the stadiums across the world for a long time to come.
What I liked about the book was the humility that he has exhibited right through the book which is a reflection of the humility that he has shown on the field. He has given credit where it is due and has shown immense respect for his parents, elder brothers, his child hood friends and teammates, his coaches and above all God. He has spoken about his relationship to religion and God in a very dignified way as something that he believes in and he would continue to believe in without forcing it on others.
One thing that shines through is his love for sport in general. He has busted certain myths about his qualifications across sports but he has played quite a number of sports at school level and the feeling I was left with, was that he would have excelled in any sport that he would have pursued and it is just that cricket and cricket fans got lucky that he chose Cricket.
His deep admiration for the other cricketers is evident through out the book and in particular, his deep respect for Smith, Boucher and Kallis. He reveres them and considers it his privilege to have walked the path that they walked and to have shared dressing room with them.
His deep rooted ambition of seeing South Africa win an ICC tournament is extremely evident and is one of the few on field incidents that he has chosen to explain, particularly the pain of losing the semifinals in the 2015 World Cup. This is his main burning ambition and the way he narrates every attempt at winning an ICC Trophy would make the fans root for him the next time he plays one.
Actual narrations about the matches he had played are only far and few between. Little more information and insights about those matches could have made the book even more interesting but that would have come with the trade off of a larger book. However, the incidents that have been narrated are interesting though..
Finally, an entire chapter had been written on India, the crowds, effect of IPL and the way the Indian crowds have identified with him. He seems genuinely surprised by the chants of ABD, first during IPL when playing for RCB and then during an ODI match against India..
It was a lovely book to read about a great cricketer, an icon and more than anything else a genuinely good human being..
I loved the way the book had ended with the narrative about IPL 2016, the resurgence of RCB, the eventual loss in finals and a conversation he had with Virat. I loved Virat's answer to ABD's question of how long he will continue to play, the answer being that he will play forever and ABD replying if only that was possible. Somehow those final few lines epitomized to me what ABD is all about. He chose to end the book with a conversation which not only highlighted his view but also Virat's passion to the game. I feel that I'd what ABD is - an out and out team man always putting others before self and his interests.
June 3, 2019
A book that has hit a 100 on all formats. This book is truly stunning to read. It covers all the aspects of his life from childhood to international cricket and it certainly inspired me to push all the boundaries. As a avid sportsman myself, this book is AMAZING and definitely a great inspirational story I would share with everyone regardless of age!
December 19, 2022
AB de Villiers is one of South Africa’s most exciting cricketers, but his autobiography did not live up to that expectation. The first few chapters detailing his early life were interesting, but after that he goes into extreme detail of every match. Even as a cricket fan I found this tiring. He is very guarded to give too many personal details away of what happened in the team. Also, the book was written before he retired, so this autobiography feels incomplete.
He talks truthfully about South Africa’s pitfalls in World Cups, but he glances over the 2015 scandal where Abbot was dropped in favour of Philander. This is a testament to his dedication and focus on cricket, but it left me wanting more.
I wanted to learn more from AB like I did in Faf’s autobiography.
He talks truthfully about South Africa’s pitfalls in World Cups, but he glances over the 2015 scandal where Abbot was dropped in favour of Philander. This is a testament to his dedication and focus on cricket, but it left me wanting more.
I wanted to learn more from AB like I did in Faf’s autobiography.
September 1, 2021
I really loved it but I don't know how blind AB is or was to the dressing room. I believe he is honest with his opinions and man I am a huge fan (who isn't?) but the reading about the recent developments I wonder if we can trust anyone from that era properly but I am more than willing to give him the benefits of the doubt.
Entertaining but not much struggle, more like a feel-good piece but possibly because AB is one of those fortunate few for whom, everything is lined up. And he is humble and acknowledges this more than once and that is why he remains so popular possibly.
Entertaining but not much struggle, more like a feel-good piece but possibly because AB is one of those fortunate few for whom, everything is lined up. And he is humble and acknowledges this more than once and that is why he remains so popular possibly.
December 16, 2023
AB the autobiography
AB de villiers
Mr.360, as an Ardent cricket lover. It was something I had in my tbr for years.
The insights off the field and the transformation of this wonderful person will surely restore a lot of faith in us.
There is only one way AB played. Played hard and give it all in the ground.
He would be someone I really loved in the game. So much a professional sportsman has gone through. A different view altogether.
A wonderful read for me personally.
AB de villiers
Mr.360, as an Ardent cricket lover. It was something I had in my tbr for years.
The insights off the field and the transformation of this wonderful person will surely restore a lot of faith in us.
There is only one way AB played. Played hard and give it all in the ground.
He would be someone I really loved in the game. So much a professional sportsman has gone through. A different view altogether.
A wonderful read for me personally.
June 12, 2018
If AB the player is the epitome of excitement, the book is exactly the opposite. The first 3-4 chapters, is slightly interesting where the reader gets to know the unknown part of AB's journey. The latter part is utterly disappointing, where it feels like you are reading a tour diary sans the emotion.
April 7, 2020
Good book from a batting and cricketing genius. To be honest I had the book lying in the bookshelf for couple years as I was ‘upset’ with his decision not to play anymore for the Proteas. Then the recent decision he made to play again prompted me to read. I’m very glad I did so and good summary of his sporting life and how he grew up playing cricket. Can’t wait to see AB on the cricketing field soon again. A true lover of the sport and exceptional player
December 29, 2019
THis book has got shades of brilliance and monotony. This book does offer insights in AB's life but lacks that punch which might put this into league of Rafa.. I liked reading this book because i am a die hard cricket fan and follower. It gave me a sneak into the lives of south african cricketers and its overall structure, the culture of proteas and their regime. This book in an enjoyable read if you know about cricket and its nuances
September 12, 2025
Sports autobiographies occupy a peculiar space in literature. They are often half confessions, half celebrations, shaped not only by the athlete’s voice but also by the expectations of fans, publishers, and the aura of the sport itself. AB de Villiers – The Autobiography is no exception. It is at once an account of one of cricket’s most dazzling talents and a carefully polished narrative of a life lived in the spotlight. Reading it, one feels the familiar tug-of-war: on one hand, the joy of reliving extraordinary innings, and on the other, the slight frustration that the curtain never fully parts to reveal the private man behind the public genius.
From the outset, the book situates AB de Villiers as more than just a cricketer. He is cast as a boy from Pretoria who excelled in almost everything he touched: rugby, tennis, golf, swimming, and even academics. The sheer versatility of his talents is laid out with gusto, and one begins to see how cricket was less a destiny than a chosen path among many possibilities. This is not a trivial detail—it frames de Villiers as a prodigy whose genius was expansive, and whose eventual mastery of batting owed much to a mind and body already primed for multiple forms of competition.
The early chapters, filled with stories of childhood, family, and the South African landscape, establish the grounding that would later define his cricket. Here, the book succeeds in showing de Villiers as a product of community and tradition, not merely an individual phenomenon. His relationship with his parents, siblings, and childhood mentors carries warmth, and the anecdotes—playing backyard cricket, experimenting with sports, learning discipline—offer insight into how a boy from a country grappling with post-apartheid transitions found his footing in a unifying game.
However, the heartbeat of the autobiography lies, inevitably, in cricket. To read de Villiers describe his career is to relive some of the most thrilling moments in modern cricket: the record-breaking fastest ODI fifty and hundred against the West Indies in 2015; the miraculous innings in Tests where he turned into a stonewall defender; and the 360-degree batting that left bowlers and spectators alike awestruck. De Villiers the batsman was never just about runs; he was about audacity, invention, and sheer joy in the act of creation. His descriptions of these innings are vivid, even if not always literary. He writes with the straightforward clarity of someone replaying memories rather than crafting art, but the excitement of the moments carries the reader along.
Where the book falters, however, is in depth of introspection. Many of the controversies and complexities of his career are touched upon but not dwelt upon. The perennial question of his position in South Africa’s batting order, the debates about workload management, his decision to retire and then partially un-retire, and the murmurs about his relationships with Cricket South Africa—these are acknowledged but often smoothed over. De Villiers prefers to emphasise positivity, gratitude, and lessons learnt rather than delve into the darker corners of frustration or conflict. While admirable in tone, this tendency sometimes makes the narrative feel sanitised, as though the real heat of professional sport has been dimmed by hindsight.
That said, there are moments where the personal voice breaks through. De Villiers writes with affection about his teammates—Graeme Smith’s leadership, Jacques Kallis’s quiet genius, Dale Steyn’s fire, and Hashim Amla’s calm spirituality. He conveys what it meant to be part of that golden generation of South African cricket, a team brimming with talent but often haunted by the tag of underachievers. His account of the 2015 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand is especially poignant. The anguish of defeat, the tears shared on the field, and the haunting memory of being “so close, yet so far” is rendered with sincerity. Even if one senses a degree of narrative control, the emotion still rings true, a reminder that behind the statistics lie human hearts broken by sport’s cruel margins.
One of the book’s strands that is more engaging is de Villiers’s relationship with T20 cricket and the IPL. Unlike many purists who treat T20 as a diluted form of the game, de Villiers embraces it as an arena of creativity. His recounting of his years with Royal Challengers Bangalore—batting alongside Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, soaking in the frenzy of Chinnaswamy Stadium—captures why he became a cult figure in India. Few cricketers have been so beloved across nations, and de Villiers’s humility in acknowledging that adoration is one of the book’s genuine pleasures. His reflections on the IPL also highlight a deeper truth: that cricket, once confined by national boundaries, has become a global stage where players are brands, entertainers, and ambassadors as much as athletes.
Stylistically, the book is written in simple, conversational prose. It does not aim for literary flourish but for accessibility, the tone of a player speaking directly to fans. There are flashes of humour and self-deprecation, but the voice is mostly steady, earnest, and respectful. For readers looking for a raw, confessional autobiography in the vein of Andre Agassi’s Open, this may feel underwhelming. For those seeking an uplifting companion piece to de Villiers’s career highlights, it delivers.
As a reflective reader, I found myself torn. On the one hand, de Villiers comes across as the consummate professional and genuinely decent human being. His gratitude toward his family, his faith, his acknowledgment of fans, and his humility in success are admirable. On the other hand, the book rarely ventures into ambiguity, contradiction, or messiness—the very elements that often make autobiographies compelling.
Sport, after all, is not only about glory but also about doubt, failure, conflict, and the uneasy compromises that athletes make. De Villiers hints at these dimensions but seldom lingers.
Yet perhaps this restraint is also telling. In an era where athletes are dissected by media and fans at every turn, perhaps de Villiers’s autobiography is not meant to bare all but to offer a curated legacy, a record of gratitude and inspiration. His career, after all, was never defined by scandal or controversy. He was, in many ways, cricket’s gentleman innovator—a man who stretched the game’s possibilities without tarnishing its spirit. The book reflects that same image: disciplined, clean, and touched with brilliance, but careful not to provoke discord.
Where the autobiography excels is in reminding us of the sheer wonder of AB de Villiers the batsman. His ability to switch from defensive resilience to audacious improvisation, his knack for pulling off shots no coaching manual could teach, his instinct for timing and space—these qualities made him not just a player but an artist. Reading his reflections on batting, one appreciates how much of it was instinct honed by discipline. He describes practice routines, mental preparation, and the joy of innovating in the middle, reminding us that genius is rarely effortless—it is structured freedom.
In the final chapters, de Villiers writes about life beyond cricket: his family, music, and faith. These glimpses into his personal world provide warmth, though they are relatively brief. His love for music—he even recorded an album—adds an unexpected dimension, showing that his creativity was not confined to the 22-yard strip. His devotion to his wife and children anchors the book with a sense of groundedness, a reminder that behind the global celebrity was a man who cherished domestic stability.
As a whole, AB de Villiers – The Autobiography is not a groundbreaking work of sports literature, but it is a heartfelt document of a remarkable career. It succeeds in capturing the joy, versatility, and professionalism of one of cricket’s most loved figures. It leaves certain questions unanswered, certain shadows unexplored, but perhaps that is fitting. De Villiers was never the rebel or the scandal-maker; he was the innovator who smiled as he dismantled bowling attacks, the player who made even opponents admire him. His autobiography reflects that ethos: safe, polished, but illuminated by flashes of brilliance.
Reflecting on it, I realised that the book, much like de Villiers’s batting, offers multiple modes of engagement. For the casual fan, it is an entertaining recap of a glittering career. For the cricket tragic, it is a chance to relive the great innings and moments that defined an era. For the reflective reader, it is a reminder that even in its omissions, an autobiography tells us something—about how athletes wish to be remembered, about the stories they choose to foreground, and about the way sport itself is narrated in the modern age.
In the end, AB de Villiers – The Autobiography leaves you with gratitude. Gratitude that you lived in the time of AB, that you saw him reverse-sweep fast bowlers for six, and that you witnessed his balance of artistry and professionalism. The book may not shock or challenge, but it does what de Villiers himself did on the field: it entertains, it inspires, and it leaves you with a smile.
From the outset, the book situates AB de Villiers as more than just a cricketer. He is cast as a boy from Pretoria who excelled in almost everything he touched: rugby, tennis, golf, swimming, and even academics. The sheer versatility of his talents is laid out with gusto, and one begins to see how cricket was less a destiny than a chosen path among many possibilities. This is not a trivial detail—it frames de Villiers as a prodigy whose genius was expansive, and whose eventual mastery of batting owed much to a mind and body already primed for multiple forms of competition.
The early chapters, filled with stories of childhood, family, and the South African landscape, establish the grounding that would later define his cricket. Here, the book succeeds in showing de Villiers as a product of community and tradition, not merely an individual phenomenon. His relationship with his parents, siblings, and childhood mentors carries warmth, and the anecdotes—playing backyard cricket, experimenting with sports, learning discipline—offer insight into how a boy from a country grappling with post-apartheid transitions found his footing in a unifying game.
However, the heartbeat of the autobiography lies, inevitably, in cricket. To read de Villiers describe his career is to relive some of the most thrilling moments in modern cricket: the record-breaking fastest ODI fifty and hundred against the West Indies in 2015; the miraculous innings in Tests where he turned into a stonewall defender; and the 360-degree batting that left bowlers and spectators alike awestruck. De Villiers the batsman was never just about runs; he was about audacity, invention, and sheer joy in the act of creation. His descriptions of these innings are vivid, even if not always literary. He writes with the straightforward clarity of someone replaying memories rather than crafting art, but the excitement of the moments carries the reader along.
Where the book falters, however, is in depth of introspection. Many of the controversies and complexities of his career are touched upon but not dwelt upon. The perennial question of his position in South Africa’s batting order, the debates about workload management, his decision to retire and then partially un-retire, and the murmurs about his relationships with Cricket South Africa—these are acknowledged but often smoothed over. De Villiers prefers to emphasise positivity, gratitude, and lessons learnt rather than delve into the darker corners of frustration or conflict. While admirable in tone, this tendency sometimes makes the narrative feel sanitised, as though the real heat of professional sport has been dimmed by hindsight.
That said, there are moments where the personal voice breaks through. De Villiers writes with affection about his teammates—Graeme Smith’s leadership, Jacques Kallis’s quiet genius, Dale Steyn’s fire, and Hashim Amla’s calm spirituality. He conveys what it meant to be part of that golden generation of South African cricket, a team brimming with talent but often haunted by the tag of underachievers. His account of the 2015 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand is especially poignant. The anguish of defeat, the tears shared on the field, and the haunting memory of being “so close, yet so far” is rendered with sincerity. Even if one senses a degree of narrative control, the emotion still rings true, a reminder that behind the statistics lie human hearts broken by sport’s cruel margins.
One of the book’s strands that is more engaging is de Villiers’s relationship with T20 cricket and the IPL. Unlike many purists who treat T20 as a diluted form of the game, de Villiers embraces it as an arena of creativity. His recounting of his years with Royal Challengers Bangalore—batting alongside Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, soaking in the frenzy of Chinnaswamy Stadium—captures why he became a cult figure in India. Few cricketers have been so beloved across nations, and de Villiers’s humility in acknowledging that adoration is one of the book’s genuine pleasures. His reflections on the IPL also highlight a deeper truth: that cricket, once confined by national boundaries, has become a global stage where players are brands, entertainers, and ambassadors as much as athletes.
Stylistically, the book is written in simple, conversational prose. It does not aim for literary flourish but for accessibility, the tone of a player speaking directly to fans. There are flashes of humour and self-deprecation, but the voice is mostly steady, earnest, and respectful. For readers looking for a raw, confessional autobiography in the vein of Andre Agassi’s Open, this may feel underwhelming. For those seeking an uplifting companion piece to de Villiers’s career highlights, it delivers.
As a reflective reader, I found myself torn. On the one hand, de Villiers comes across as the consummate professional and genuinely decent human being. His gratitude toward his family, his faith, his acknowledgment of fans, and his humility in success are admirable. On the other hand, the book rarely ventures into ambiguity, contradiction, or messiness—the very elements that often make autobiographies compelling.
Sport, after all, is not only about glory but also about doubt, failure, conflict, and the uneasy compromises that athletes make. De Villiers hints at these dimensions but seldom lingers.
Yet perhaps this restraint is also telling. In an era where athletes are dissected by media and fans at every turn, perhaps de Villiers’s autobiography is not meant to bare all but to offer a curated legacy, a record of gratitude and inspiration. His career, after all, was never defined by scandal or controversy. He was, in many ways, cricket’s gentleman innovator—a man who stretched the game’s possibilities without tarnishing its spirit. The book reflects that same image: disciplined, clean, and touched with brilliance, but careful not to provoke discord.
Where the autobiography excels is in reminding us of the sheer wonder of AB de Villiers the batsman. His ability to switch from defensive resilience to audacious improvisation, his knack for pulling off shots no coaching manual could teach, his instinct for timing and space—these qualities made him not just a player but an artist. Reading his reflections on batting, one appreciates how much of it was instinct honed by discipline. He describes practice routines, mental preparation, and the joy of innovating in the middle, reminding us that genius is rarely effortless—it is structured freedom.
In the final chapters, de Villiers writes about life beyond cricket: his family, music, and faith. These glimpses into his personal world provide warmth, though they are relatively brief. His love for music—he even recorded an album—adds an unexpected dimension, showing that his creativity was not confined to the 22-yard strip. His devotion to his wife and children anchors the book with a sense of groundedness, a reminder that behind the global celebrity was a man who cherished domestic stability.
As a whole, AB de Villiers – The Autobiography is not a groundbreaking work of sports literature, but it is a heartfelt document of a remarkable career. It succeeds in capturing the joy, versatility, and professionalism of one of cricket’s most loved figures. It leaves certain questions unanswered, certain shadows unexplored, but perhaps that is fitting. De Villiers was never the rebel or the scandal-maker; he was the innovator who smiled as he dismantled bowling attacks, the player who made even opponents admire him. His autobiography reflects that ethos: safe, polished, but illuminated by flashes of brilliance.
Reflecting on it, I realised that the book, much like de Villiers’s batting, offers multiple modes of engagement. For the casual fan, it is an entertaining recap of a glittering career. For the cricket tragic, it is a chance to relive the great innings and moments that defined an era. For the reflective reader, it is a reminder that even in its omissions, an autobiography tells us something—about how athletes wish to be remembered, about the stories they choose to foreground, and about the way sport itself is narrated in the modern age.
In the end, AB de Villiers – The Autobiography leaves you with gratitude. Gratitude that you lived in the time of AB, that you saw him reverse-sweep fast bowlers for six, and that you witnessed his balance of artistry and professionalism. The book may not shock or challenge, but it does what de Villiers himself did on the field: it entertains, it inspires, and it leaves you with a smile.
December 21, 2019
This book taught me how difficult it is to be a Super Legend like AB is. I just also want to be like him; a Legend of all. I love it.
December 25, 2019
The book just takes us back to today what it was like for one of the finest batsmen of all time
August 14, 2025
When you are a fan of the particular sport (in my case cricket), you get drawn to the superstars playing the sport. You always tend to fantasize about being in the exact same moment as they are, the moments you cherish so much. Why? To be able to experience, to communicate, to soak in the atmosphere and come out a little wiser each time. But Alas! Being a fan is sometimes cruel if you always want to share the space. But since it’s not possible, an autobiography helps you, to some extent, to reimagine and get an intimate feel of the sport. ‘AB The Autobiography’ is such a book to cherish.
Ever since watching AB de Villiers in 2007 ICC World Cup semi-final, I have been his fan. He has produced several gems of innings over a long span of his career. His record-breaking 31 balls 100; his magnificent 278 in a test match; his inning against West Indies in 2015 ICC World Cup; his ruthlessness against Dale Steyn in an IPL match. I can go on and on. I chose to read his book because as a fan I wanted to be in these situations to get to know what exactly this great man was going through emotionally, mentally and psychologically. Few of the situation I really like to be part of being
1. 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final loss against New Zeland
2. Marathon blocking with Faf du Plessis against Australia to save a test match
3. Marathon inning again with Faf du Plessis going for the unlikely win against India
4. 5th ODI at Wankhede stadium, when fan abandon cheering for India and joyously cheered for
AB de Villiers
5. 100th Test at Bengaluru
6. Record chase of 434 against Australia, arguably the best ODI ever played
The book is easy and fast read. All throughout the book, AB has stressed the fighting spirit of human being. No matter what situation, either in the position of strength or through the position of weakness, human have to always fight it out. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he is a deeply religious person, a devout Christian. He lays extreme importance on being a team player. What individual alone can’t achieve, a team achieve miraculous feats. Ab has retired from international cricket and we as a fan lamented that we won’t be able to see AB play another World Cup. But we have our consolation. He consoled us by saying he will continue to play a few more IPL season. Since I can’t watch him play for Titans, his state team, it will be a delight to watch him play for RCB in IPL.
Ever since watching AB de Villiers in 2007 ICC World Cup semi-final, I have been his fan. He has produced several gems of innings over a long span of his career. His record-breaking 31 balls 100; his magnificent 278 in a test match; his inning against West Indies in 2015 ICC World Cup; his ruthlessness against Dale Steyn in an IPL match. I can go on and on. I chose to read his book because as a fan I wanted to be in these situations to get to know what exactly this great man was going through emotionally, mentally and psychologically. Few of the situation I really like to be part of being
1. 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final loss against New Zeland
2. Marathon blocking with Faf du Plessis against Australia to save a test match
3. Marathon inning again with Faf du Plessis going for the unlikely win against India
4. 5th ODI at Wankhede stadium, when fan abandon cheering for India and joyously cheered for
AB de Villiers
5. 100th Test at Bengaluru
6. Record chase of 434 against Australia, arguably the best ODI ever played
The book is easy and fast read. All throughout the book, AB has stressed the fighting spirit of human being. No matter what situation, either in the position of strength or through the position of weakness, human have to always fight it out. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he is a deeply religious person, a devout Christian. He lays extreme importance on being a team player. What individual alone can’t achieve, a team achieve miraculous feats. Ab has retired from international cricket and we as a fan lamented that we won’t be able to see AB play another World Cup. But we have our consolation. He consoled us by saying he will continue to play a few more IPL season. Since I can’t watch him play for Titans, his state team, it will be a delight to watch him play for RCB in IPL.
November 12, 2016
Not many foreign cricketers are loved as much as AB Devilliers in India. The Superman of Cricket is one of the most respected cricketers of our generation and for the right reasons.
His autobiography is for a true fan of the sport and of Devilliers and not for those who are looking for some quality reading. His autobiography is a fan’s delight those who want to know him, his thought process. While reading the book, you will realize that the book has been written by an amateur writer and the editing too isn’t all that great. But I didn’t mind this at all as this book turned out to be exactly how i wanted it to be; talking about his childhood days and personal things and instances that shaped him as he is, talking about his thought process while he is out there to bat, how he coped up with ups and downs in life, his chemistry with his favourite players in South African Team, dressing room secrets and many such instances.
I enjoyed the personal touch that he has mentioned throughout the book. The book is not just focussed on his innings or South African Team’s matches but the personal instances mentioned has made this book relate with him and Proteas to a different level altogether. The personal touch that I craved for in Sachin’s Playing it My Way was fulfilled in this book (though it doesn’t compensates the fact that I expected more from Sachin’s book).
It is an honest book covering the emotions that he and his teammates have felt in many instances, clarifying the rumours that have surrounded him. Reading this book you will want that the chokers tag should be removed from the Proteas (cricket lovers will understand this). ABD has clearly mentioned his deep love and connection with India and has a complete chapter dedicated to India. India has played its role not only in his professional life but in personal life too and you will get to know it once you pick this book up.
A must read for all the cricket lovers.
His autobiography is for a true fan of the sport and of Devilliers and not for those who are looking for some quality reading. His autobiography is a fan’s delight those who want to know him, his thought process. While reading the book, you will realize that the book has been written by an amateur writer and the editing too isn’t all that great. But I didn’t mind this at all as this book turned out to be exactly how i wanted it to be; talking about his childhood days and personal things and instances that shaped him as he is, talking about his thought process while he is out there to bat, how he coped up with ups and downs in life, his chemistry with his favourite players in South African Team, dressing room secrets and many such instances.
I enjoyed the personal touch that he has mentioned throughout the book. The book is not just focussed on his innings or South African Team’s matches but the personal instances mentioned has made this book relate with him and Proteas to a different level altogether. The personal touch that I craved for in Sachin’s Playing it My Way was fulfilled in this book (though it doesn’t compensates the fact that I expected more from Sachin’s book).
It is an honest book covering the emotions that he and his teammates have felt in many instances, clarifying the rumours that have surrounded him. Reading this book you will want that the chokers tag should be removed from the Proteas (cricket lovers will understand this). ABD has clearly mentioned his deep love and connection with India and has a complete chapter dedicated to India. India has played its role not only in his professional life but in personal life too and you will get to know it once you pick this book up.
A must read for all the cricket lovers.
December 21, 2019
This book took me quite some time to finish because I had to take million pauses to go back and see the scorecards, highlights and other statistics. It was heart-breakingly beautiful. Beautiful because it's a book on cricket. Heart-breaking because of the C-word (chokers). Every time he described an ICC event, you can feel the weight of the hopes and dreams that they carry and every single time it's shattered. Apart from AB being my favorite batsman, I also liked this book because I like loads of South African players like Dale, the Morkel brothers, Kallis and Faf and also because SA is my second favorite team. I have been regretting the fact that I wasn't a hardcore cricket fan a couple of years ago. This book was filled with snippets from all the action I missed and I really felt connected to the previous decade. I also think that maybe, just maybe, I have a new favorite player - Graeme Smith!! What a player and captain!!! Everything written about the Protea fire and how the sport helped the rainbow nation was really inspiring. AB's journey and philosophies were rather engrossing. I really loved one particular quote - " As the rollercoaster soars, the rollercoaster dips ". Every tour of India and every IPL match brought a sense of familiarity but still managed spark my interest as if I've not watched them. All this coupled with just the right amount of humor, makes this book an extremely entertaining read.
So, yeah, thanks AB for making me fall in love with cricket, all over again.
So, yeah, thanks AB for making me fall in love with cricket, all over again.
November 19, 2016
ABD-ABD-ABD! Still remember the chant by Indian team supporters when i saw him playing in Dharamshala. A rare scene when Indian fans chanting for a foreign player makes you think what is so special about him.
One of the reason i wanted to read this book. Wanted to know the journey of this magnificent South African cricketer.
This is one of the most honest book i have ever read starts with the greatest knock by AB when he hit the fastest century against West Indies and instances like feeling cold feet every time before going out in field makes him just another human being like us. His humility throughout the book and how much he respected and adored his fellow players like Graeme smith, Mark boucher, Jacques kallis makes him more special. This book is just not only for cricket fans but for everyone who love any kind of sports. India has had been an influential place for him and he dedicated a whole chapter on it, sharing all his personal life, dealing with ups and downs, dealing with the C-word which is a burden on every protea player are all those things which makes this book special. Highlight of this book was the last chapter on World cup 2015 where he described the preparations (check out the video on youtube) and then the heartbreaking emotions when they lost in semifinal against New Zealand.
AB the autobiography will always be a special book for me and i recommend it to everyone who loves any kind of sports.
One of the reason i wanted to read this book. Wanted to know the journey of this magnificent South African cricketer.
This is one of the most honest book i have ever read starts with the greatest knock by AB when he hit the fastest century against West Indies and instances like feeling cold feet every time before going out in field makes him just another human being like us. His humility throughout the book and how much he respected and adored his fellow players like Graeme smith, Mark boucher, Jacques kallis makes him more special. This book is just not only for cricket fans but for everyone who love any kind of sports. India has had been an influential place for him and he dedicated a whole chapter on it, sharing all his personal life, dealing with ups and downs, dealing with the C-word which is a burden on every protea player are all those things which makes this book special. Highlight of this book was the last chapter on World cup 2015 where he described the preparations (check out the video on youtube) and then the heartbreaking emotions when they lost in semifinal against New Zealand.
AB the autobiography will always be a special book for me and i recommend it to everyone who loves any kind of sports.
October 12, 2016
A very honest and emotional book written by the best Batsman in the world. As a cricket and an AB De Villiers fan i liked the way he described in details of all the various cricket matches and how had he felt during those. I needed to know that. There's a whole chapter on Cricket in India where he describes IPL and all the experiences while tours to India. He Sums the chapter on India by saying that India is the best place to play cricket. Then there's another chapter called "The Dream" in which he discusses his dream of winning the world cup where he executes a run-out while fielding at cover and then South Africa wins the World Cup. Sadly it hasn't happened yet but I wish it happens soon. Then he tries to explain on why South Africa doesn't perform well in ICC Tournaments and says "Until South Africa goes and wins one of the ICC Trophies we will be under pressure and just needs to move on and look ahead".
Finally I will conclude by wishing him Good Luck for the 2019 World Cup and i most dearly want South Africa to lift the World Cup when he is the captain.
AB De Villiers is that rare Batsman who will have fans all around the world and probably the only Cricketer who you will cheer for even if he's playing against your team. I don't think there was or ever would be a more Humble, Classy and Stylish player than AB De Villiers!!!.
Finally I will conclude by wishing him Good Luck for the 2019 World Cup and i most dearly want South Africa to lift the World Cup when he is the captain.
AB De Villiers is that rare Batsman who will have fans all around the world and probably the only Cricketer who you will cheer for even if he's playing against your team. I don't think there was or ever would be a more Humble, Classy and Stylish player than AB De Villiers!!!.
April 11, 2017
In the last line of the book, DeVilliers, the most celebrated and sweetest sportsperson on this planet, wishes he could play cricket forever, and ever. For everyone who had watched him bat at least once, the feeling would be mutual. This most honest auto biography includes some acute descriptions of his childhood fantasies, the role of his friends and family as he grew up, the choice he had to make between Tennis, Rugby and cricket and his amazing "roller coaster" journey as a proud proteas cricketer and later the captain. Amidst all the cricket related talk, the one chapter which stands out for me is titled "South Africa: Right or wrong", where he proudly shares his deep patriotism towards South Africa and the immense potential it has. The sorrow is palpable when he shares his disappointment over not winning any ICC tournament, which still remains his distant dream. But few would judge him on the basis of the accolades won, and he is and will forever remain among the best human being to have played this beautiful sport. I started loving the most loved cricketer even more after reading this book. Thank you ABD!
December 29, 2017
Detailed, honest, self-less and heartfelt expressions of one of the best players to have ever played the game is worth every blink.
The books describes some thrilling portrayals of remarkable performances of the team in home and away conditions including the famous 434 and 414 chase down against australia in 2006 and the 2008 Waca test.
However the bitter tragedy haunting the team since its re-admission in 1992 is one of the the main talking points of the book.
An oxymoronic tale of impeccable performances in tests and one days but inability to convert an icc tournament is heart-wrenching and deceiving.
Read this book if you want a real-time view into the dressing room dynamics of what is considered one of the greatest group of players to have played the game.
Consider this book if you want a peek into the heart, mind and brutally honest experiences
of ABD till now.
Spoilers: This guy has a chapter devoted to clear the air. So if you think you would get to know how AB played for the South African national rugby team, golf team, badminton team, etc , you might just not go further than the second chapter!
The books describes some thrilling portrayals of remarkable performances of the team in home and away conditions including the famous 434 and 414 chase down against australia in 2006 and the 2008 Waca test.
However the bitter tragedy haunting the team since its re-admission in 1992 is one of the the main talking points of the book.
An oxymoronic tale of impeccable performances in tests and one days but inability to convert an icc tournament is heart-wrenching and deceiving.
Read this book if you want a real-time view into the dressing room dynamics of what is considered one of the greatest group of players to have played the game.
Consider this book if you want a peek into the heart, mind and brutally honest experiences
of ABD till now.
Spoilers: This guy has a chapter devoted to clear the air. So if you think you would get to know how AB played for the South African national rugby team, golf team, badminton team, etc , you might just not go further than the second chapter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2016
AB De Villiers is an exceptional cricket player but more than that, he is an inspiration to many people around the world and especially young cricket players.
I would definitely recommend this book for people of all ages, young and old.
De Villiers is portrayed in the media as being exceptionally good at every sport he has played and have made mention of many sporting achievements that he attained. While not doubting his ability in all sports it is interesting to read that he didn't achieve all that has been said about him.
In the book De Villiers is honest and never says a bad word about any player he has played with or against. He doesn't boast about his many achievements and is humble. Whilst he doesn't delve into any politics, I don't believe that it affects the interesting read of the book. As many people might or might not know, South Africa's stance with politics and sport is a touchy subject and don't believe that AB needs to delve into this aspect to make his book an interesting read. An easy book to read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Reviewed by Wez
I would definitely recommend this book for people of all ages, young and old.
De Villiers is portrayed in the media as being exceptionally good at every sport he has played and have made mention of many sporting achievements that he attained. While not doubting his ability in all sports it is interesting to read that he didn't achieve all that has been said about him.
In the book De Villiers is honest and never says a bad word about any player he has played with or against. He doesn't boast about his many achievements and is humble. Whilst he doesn't delve into any politics, I don't believe that it affects the interesting read of the book. As many people might or might not know, South Africa's stance with politics and sport is a touchy subject and don't believe that AB needs to delve into this aspect to make his book an interesting read. An easy book to read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Reviewed by Wez
February 7, 2017
I don't really like the idea of writing an autobiography when you're still playing. Makes it look like you want to cash in on your popularity while it lasts. The only reason I got the book was because there was a good discount on it.
For all the excitement that de Villiers brings to the game as a batsman, this book is the complete opposite - filled with meaningless numbers and details. He drones on and on about tournaments and matches right from 2004, with no clear direction. It is surprising that someone who shows so much innovation on the field can be so dour and boring while narrating his experiences. The only part of the book which rouses any feelings is when he talks about the 2015 World Cup. One can genuinely feel the pain. But otherwise the book reads more like an Income-tax gazette - just numbers, numbers and more numbers.
There genuinely aren't enough takeaways in this book to warrant a read.
For all the excitement that de Villiers brings to the game as a batsman, this book is the complete opposite - filled with meaningless numbers and details. He drones on and on about tournaments and matches right from 2004, with no clear direction. It is surprising that someone who shows so much innovation on the field can be so dour and boring while narrating his experiences. The only part of the book which rouses any feelings is when he talks about the 2015 World Cup. One can genuinely feel the pain. But otherwise the book reads more like an Income-tax gazette - just numbers, numbers and more numbers.
There genuinely aren't enough takeaways in this book to warrant a read.
November 16, 2016
ABD!
Very few cricketers in the world receive unanimous respect for the crowd while playing an away series, and ABD is one of them. This book gives context to why people from across the globe offer unbiased support to a man who never gives up. It's a book meant for any individual who loves the sport and can relate to the finer aspects of the game.
Would have loved to know more about AB as a person and accounts of tragedies and success in his personal. Though a little too factual, the book is a must read anyone who wishes to learn about the sport and what it takes to be one of the best cricketers of this generation. #proteafire
Very few cricketers in the world receive unanimous respect for the crowd while playing an away series, and ABD is one of them. This book gives context to why people from across the globe offer unbiased support to a man who never gives up. It's a book meant for any individual who loves the sport and can relate to the finer aspects of the game.
Would have loved to know more about AB as a person and accounts of tragedies and success in his personal. Though a little too factual, the book is a must read anyone who wishes to learn about the sport and what it takes to be one of the best cricketers of this generation. #proteafire
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