AB de Villiers is one of cricket’s most sought-after and talented batting talents. He seems to be going back to cricket after hinting about such possibilities, but he is certain not to do that in high-pressure professional leagues like the IPL or SA20.
In a recent conversation with renowned cricket journalist Melinda Farrell on his YouTube channel, the former South African captain revealed that he may once again take to the cricket field, driven by a desire to spend quality time with his children and reignite his love for the sport in a more relaxed setting.
A Shift in Priorities: From International Cricket to Family Time
AB de Villiers was one of the most innovative and entertaining players in cricket, but in an astonishing statement in November 2021, the man announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The major reason for his retirement was to have more time for family, and in particular, he had three children with whom he wanted to be able to spend more time away from the intense demands of international cricket. Since his retirement, de Villiers has focused on his charity work, broadcasting, and serving as a brand ambassador for South Africa’s SA20 tournament.
However, he seemed to partially leave the door ajar in his chat with Melinda Farrell recently by stating that cricket might not be put aside yet. It’s not out of his desire to once again feature at the top but to have fun and share glimmering moments with his kids.
“No Pressure Cricket”: A Return to Share Happiness, Not Glory
The possibility of playing cricket again was put up to him. He was prompt in his reply, “I can still play cricket. There is no confirmation of this, but my children are putting some pressure on me, and I think I can go to the nets with them. Maybe I will play such cricket in which I can play comfortably.”
His statement suggested that he was considering a return to a much more relaxed and informal form of the game, one that would allow him to enjoy cricket without the immense pressure associated with professional leagues like the IPL or the SA20. “I am not talking about playing in leagues like IPL or SA20, but I am talking about such cricket in which one can play comfortably. I want to do this for the happiness of my children. With this, I can enjoy cricket again,” de Villiers explained.
The Role of Family in AB de Villiers’ Decision
Family bonding has been the biggest theme of De Villiers’ career and life after retirement. While winning countless accolades and breaking many records on the field, the 40-year-old cricketer has preferred to spend quality time with his family, particularly with his three little children. But it’s not about coming back to reclaim lost glory.
De Villiers would reconnect to the game which made him an international icon while playing cricket with his children. In this, however, he won’t face a tight schedule or the immense pressures that accompany the professional game. It is very obvious that emotional feelings towards his children are the crux of the thought of going back to the sport.
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AB de Villiers Career Record
Before retiring, AB de Villiers was one of the most prolific players in international cricket. He represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 78 Twenty20s. De Villiers set numerous records during his illustrious career, including the fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODI history. He accumulated a total of 8,765 runs in Test cricket, 9,577 runs in ODIs, and 1,672 runs in T20 internationals.
It is not surprising, then, that his ability to dominate across all formats, his versatility, and his flair earned him a place in the pantheon of cricket’s modern legends. Famed for his fearless batting, de Villiers was always nicknamed “Mr. 360” because of his ability to hit shots around the ground.
A New Chapter: Cricket for Fun and Family
It’s unlikely that we will see AB de Villiers return to the intense, competitive environment of international cricket or major T20 leagues, but his desire to play for the joy of it and to make his children happy is a reminder of what really matters to him.
Whether or not he steps back onto the field for a casual game of cricket remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: AB de Villiers’ love for the game, combined with his commitment to family, will continue to shape his relationship with the sport in the years to come. In his own words, the idea of playing “comfortable cricket” is what excites him, as it would allow him to rediscover his passion for the game without the pressures of professional competition.
AB de Villiers’ potential return to cricket, while unlikely to include international tournaments or league commitments, is yet another chapter in the extraordinary journey of a cricketer who has already achieved everything there is to accomplish on the field. His focus now is on the simple joys of life—family, fun, and the timeless love of the game.
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