Former South African cricketing legend AB de Villiers has expressed interest in a potential return to the sport, though in a more casual and low-pressure capacity. In a recent interview with Melinda Farrell on her YouTube channel, the 40-year-old admitted he misses the game and is being encouraged by his children to pick up the bat again.
A Push from Family to Return
De Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket in November 2021 to focus on his family, shared that his three children—Abraham, John, and Yente—have been urging him to hit the nets. “I might still play cricket one day. My kids are putting me under a bit of pressure, so I might go to the nets with them,” he said, hinting at a possible return to the field.
He emphasized that any return would be purely for enjoyment, saying, “Maybe I’ll play some casual cricket somewhere. My son might face some balls from the bowling machine, and who knows? I could walk out there and have some fun.”
Not a Return to Professional Leagues
De Villiers was clear that he has no plans to return to high-pressure competitions like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or South Africa’s SA20 league. As the brand ambassador for SA20 and an active contributor to cricket through charity and broadcasting, he remains connected to the sport but prefers a less stressful environment.
“I’ve had my fair share of professional cricket. That’s done. I’m not talking about the IPL or RCB,” he explained, referring to his former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. “Wherever I play, it’ll just be for fun. I don’t want to feel that pressure again.”
Challenges to Overcome
While discussing his potential return, de Villiers admitted to facing challenges with his eyesight, particularly in his left eye. “This right eye is dominant and working fine. I’ll see if I can go out there and enjoy cricket again. Even if it’s casual, we’ll figure out the limits,” he said.
A Cricketing Icon’s Legacy
Nicknamed ‘Mr. 360’ for his unmatched versatility with the bat, AB de Villiers has left an indelible mark on cricket, amassing over 20,000 international runs and holding records for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODIs. His potential return, even in a relaxed setting, is sure to excite fans around the globe.
Though de Villiers may not don the RCB jersey again, his love for the game and willingness to share it with his family signal that his cricketing journey might not be entirely over.
