In a sequence of latest interviews, former South African cricketing legend AB de Villiers has supplied fascinating insights into his profession, his relationships with Indian cricket icons, and his private life post-retirement. His feedback, coming after a superb efficiency within the World Championship of Legends, have put to relaxation any hypothesis of a return to skilled cricket.
AB de Villiers jokes about MS Dhoni relating to the IPL return
Regardless of showcasing his timeless class by dominating the WCL 2025, De Villiers has firmly closed the door on a possible Indian Premier League (IPL) comeback. Talking on a podcast, the 41-year-old defined that whereas he’s nonetheless match and energetic, the bodily and psychological dedication required for a three-month match is a significant factor in his determination.
In a second of basic wit and good-natured rivalry, de Villiers made a cheeky comparability between himself and MS Dhoni, who continues to play within the IPL. He then added that he has immense respect for gamers like Dhoni however that they’re all completely different, and he’s pleased with the choice he made to retire. His feedback spotlight the immense strain and dedication required to compete on the highest degree, even for legends of the sport.
“I’ll be too nervous. I believe I’ll reasonably simply help. I’m an excellent supporter. The IPL is simply very lengthy and it’s a three-month match. It’s a very large dedication for somebody on the age of 41. You may’t evaluate me to Dhoni. I work so much more durable. I had much more exhausting work via the years. I’m simply kidding. I’ll take my hat to them. However we’re all completely different. It relies upon. I gave it my greatest shot and I’m comfortable,” De Villiers mentioned on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.
“Dont evaluate me with him i work much more more durable” 😭pic.twitter.com/CyKsvHqPwU https://t.co/ndm3rpzFQ0
— Advit’ (@Advitxvirat) August 3, 2025
Additionally READ: MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi gushes over Indian legend’s new stylish haircut
Match-winning performances for South Africa Champions in WCL 2025
De Villiers was the undisputed star of the WCL 2025, ending because the main run-scorer with 429 runs in six matches, together with three centuries. His performances have been characterised by explosive hitting and a excessive strike charge of over 200, proving he has misplaced none of his ‘360-degree’ batting capability. De Villiers was rightly named the Participant of the Match for his efforts.
Within the remaining towards Pakistan Champions, he performed a match-winning innings of an unbeaten 129 off just 60 balls to information his staff to a nine-wicket victory. This knock, which included 12 fours and seven sixes, secured his third century of the match. His dominance was so full that he was awarded the Participant of the Match, Grasp Blaster of the Match, Most Useful Participant, and Recreation Changer of the Match within the remaining.
All through the WCL 2025, de Villiers was a constant drive. He scored back-to-back centuries within the group stage, together with a blistering 123 off 46 balls towards Australia Champions and an unbeaten 116 towards England Champions. Past his batting heroics, de Villiers additionally made a major impression within the area. Within the semi-final towards Australia Champions, he was instrumental in an exhilarating one-run victory, first with a surprising diving catch to dismiss Chris Lynn after which with a decisive last-ball run-out to seal the win.
Additionally READ: ‘And Dangal is Virat Kohli’s biopic’: Fans poke fun at Suresh Raina for calling Chak De! India a cricket movie
