Former Protea batsman Neil McKenzie in his turn believes that despite the massive void a player of De Villiers' calibre will leave, South Africa has the ability to produce more stars.

The 58-test veteran spoke to OFM Sport and said that although it may take some time, the youngsters of today are the stars of Cricket South Africa's tomorrow.

"Replacing (AB de Villiers) is a strong word, I think you'll never match a guy of his quality and experience and to replace that will take a number of years."

"In South Africa with the resources that we have, there will always be a pipeline coming through, already there are guys making strides," McKenzie told OFM Sport.

Mr 360, as De Villiers is affectionately known, retires from international cricket as one of the most decorated players to have donned the Proteas jersey, having played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals and 78 T20 Internationals.