AB de Villiers hints at a return to competitive cricket

It's been years since the retirement of South African great AB de Villiers, yet 'Mr. 360' continues to have one of the largest fan bases in the game. While de Villiers has stayed connected to cricket through his roles as a commentator and analyst, fans undoubtedly miss his presence on the field. Recently, as an ambassador of the ongoing SA20 league, he sparked hope among his supporters. The prolific batter expressed an interest in returning to the game with the bat in hand. Although the specifics of how the South African plans to materialize his intention remain unclear, the mere prospect of de Villiers contemplating a return is exciting enough for cricket enthusiasts around the world.

The former South Africa skipper, who holds massive respect among the cricket fraternity for his unmatched strokeplay, has expressed an interest in picking up the bat again. However, AB de Villiers cleared that his wish is limited in the boundaries of a casual, pressure-free environment. In a recent interaction, the 40-year-old revealed that his children have been encouraging him to return to the nets. Having retired from all formats of cricket in November 2021 to focus on family life, de Villiers hinted at the possibility of stepping back onto the field but emphasized that it would purely be for enjoyment rather than competitive play.

"I might still play cricket one day. No confirmation whatsoever. My kids are putting me under a bit of pressure, and I feel like I could go to the nets with them," de Villiers shared. "My boy could feel me bowling machine balls. Maybe I will walk out and play a bit of casual cricket somewhere," he added.

While AB de Villiers revealed his intentions of return, a thought which is yet to be cemented fully, the star former cricketer also listed an obstacle in his way. The Proateas skipper mentioned a persistent issue with his eyesight, particularly his left eye.

"This right one is the dominant one, it is working fine. I am doing it for my kids and see if I can go out there and enjoy cricket again. Even if it is very casual and see where we draw the line," he informed.

Apart from his contributions to South Africa cricket, AB de Villiers is especially famous for his stint in the IPL. Mr. 360 played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the T20 league, quickly getting the support of one of the most famous franchise in India. Moreover, his partnership and camaraderie with Virat Kohli is still the most cherished aspect of his time in the league. However, despite all the sweet memories in the Bengaluru den, de Villiers doesn't fancy a chance to head back to India. 

"We are not talking RCB and some stuff. I don't want to feel that pressure again. Wherever I go, I would want to have a bit of fun," he remarked.

Nicknamed ‘Mr. 360’ for his remarkable ability to play shots all around the ground, de Villiers left an indelible mark on the sport, amassing over 20,000 international runs and holding records for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODIs. Even if his return is limited to a casual setting, it would undoubtedly bring immense joy to cricket fans worldwide.