De Villiers announced his retirement from the international scene last week following his return to South Africa after the recently concluded Indian Premier League where he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

De Villiers announced his retirement via a 90 second video that he released on social media which quickly sent shockwaves throughout the global cricketing fraternity.

 Gibson in his turn echoed the disappointment that Mr. 360 will no longer feature for South Africa at a national level.

Disappointment amplified by the 2019 Cricket World Cup that is only a year away.

"He could have made a huge difference in the world cup and he knows that and we all know that."

"He has chosen to walk away from the game at this time and it is what it is," Gibson said.

According to Gibson, the job of finding a suitable player to try and fill the void now begins and he is thankful for the time he has in which to do so.

"It is disappointing for the country and for world cricket that AB de Villiers is not playing anymore."

"He (de Villiers) gives me a year to find, not a replacement because I don't believe that he can be replaced, but he gives an opportunity for somebody to put their hand up," Gibson added.

AB de Villiers 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.