AB De Villiers has credited his South African teammates for leading him to new heights that helped him walk away with the Cricketer of the Year award on Wednesday evening.

The Proteas vice-captain became the eighth South African to win the prestigious award in Johannesburg, and it was only one of three other trophies he managed to get his hands on.

Aside from being named South Africa’s player of the year, he was handed the test Cricketer of the Year, South African Players’ Player of the Year and South African Fans’ Cricketer of the Year titles.

“I would certainly not be standing here without my teammates,” said De Villiers.

“It was a special night for me. Being the fans cricketer of the year – the fans are a huge part of the reason I’m here today.

“My wife has been my biggest supporter of them all. Then came the players’ player of the year. It just means the players have faith in you and your ability.”

With the obvious void left behind, following the retirement of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith in the test arena, De Villiers saw it as a time to shine.

“We’re going to miss them so much. Jacques and Graeme played a huge role in getting us to where we are today.

“That leaves us with a huge responsibility and opportunity to take it forward now.”