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AB de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the most innovative cricketers in history, has announced his return to cricket after nearly four years of retirement. Known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, the South African maestro had retired from international cricket in 2018, citing physical demands and a desire to spend more time with family. In 2021, he bid farewell to all forms of cricket after his final stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
AB de Villiers’ return to cricket after four years
However, his love for the game has reignited, as de Villiers prepares to lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). De Villiers attributes his comeback to moments spent playing cricket with his young sons in the garden. With this renewed enthusiasm, he has committed to returning to the gym and nets to prepare for the WCL in July.
“Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn’t feel the urge to play anymore. Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game. We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again. So I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I’ll be ready for the WCL in July,” De Villiers was quoted as saying by the ANI.
It’s official. I will be playing for the South African team @WCLSAChampions in the upcoming @WclLeague 2025! 🌟
Mark your calendars: the tournament runs from 18th July to 2nd August.
Can’t wait to renew rivalry with so many legends from five other countries. I’m heading to the… pic.twitter.com/4GnUwdP8LB
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 28, 2025
Also READ: AB de Villiers names the most dangerous team of Champions Trophy 2025
The WCL T20 tournament, featuring retired and non-contracted legends of the game, provides a nostalgic platform for fans to relive cricket’s golden era. De Villiers’ leadership of the Game Changers South Africa Champions, a team that previously included greats like Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Herschelle Gibbs promises to elevate the tournament’s excitement.
Amandeep Singh, co-owner of the South Africa Champions, expressed his joy, stating, “We are honoured to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights,”
De Villiers: A legacy that shines bright
De Villiers’ batting and fielding stats reflect his exceptional contribution to South African cricket. Across 114 Test matches, he scored 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, with a highest score of 278 not out. In ODIs, de Villiers amassed 9,577 runs in 228 matches at a remarkable average of 53.50, including 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries. In T20Is, he made 1,672 runs in 78 matches, showcasing his aggressive style with a strike rate of 135.16.
As a fielder, he took 222 catches in Tests, 176 in ODIs, and 65 in T20Is, alongside contributing with his occasional wicketkeeping. His legacy for South Africa is defined not just by his runs but his adaptability, innovation, and leadership on the field, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2024, his return has generated immense excitement among fans and the cricketing fraternity. At 41, de Villiers is set to remind the world of his unmatched versatility and fearless batting, ensuring his remarkable career continues to inspire generations.
