- August 4, 2025
Cricket fans love a good retirement tease, especially when it’s AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni doing the teasing. As the players took to the field for the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, we were left wondering if AB de Villiers would be making his IPL return. But rather than entertain the idea or remember the good old days, ABD gave a cheeky, humorous response that made fans smile, and reminded us all why he’s not only a cricket genius, but because he is just a fun person.
The Retirement Rumor Mill and ABD’s Perfect Dodge
The prospect of former stars making a splash back into the game with the IPL being expanded into a three-quarter marathon is always alluring. AB de Villiers, who last played IPL cricket in 2021, was asked if he even thought about putting on an RCB shirt again for another season… given his credentials with the franchise—4522 runs off 157 matches with an average more than 41—it isn’t a mean feat. As you can imagine, fans were licking their lips.
But ABD’s answer? Pure gold. Instead of diving into the nostalgia or making promises, he cracked a joke about how hard he worked over the years compared to Dhoni, who at 44 is still rocking the IPL pitch. “I’ll be too nervous,” he said. “I think I’d rather just support. I’m a very good supporter.”
It wasn’t so much of a humble-brag, but a sentiment, delivered at just the right time, was light-hearted and quick-witted, and it revealed his humble nature. More importantly, it beautifully reminded people that the longevity and styles of cricket are extremely different — and you can’t put AB de Villiers and Dhoni in the same bucket either. One is in the different-day, high-octane versatility, and the other had calm, ice-cool, captaincy, and finishing qualities. Both gladiators, but worlds apart.
WCL 2025: ABD’s Stellar Comeback — But on His Terms
While ABD may not be rushing back to the IPL, his performance in the World Championship of Legends 2025 certainly sent a message. He slammed 429 runs across six matches, including three centuries, with an unbeaten 120 in the final that sealed the deal.
This tournament gave fans a fresh glimpse of the magic ABD can still produce when the stage suits him — shorter formats, competitive legends, and less grueling schedules. Plus, it was a moment of pure joy for the RCB fans who spotted their hero lighting up the grounds even outside India.
So, while IPL’s three-month grind might be off the table for him, ABD’s participation in WCL 2025 highlights how legends can still bring excitement without the usual pressures. It’s a smart balance, showing respect for their bodies and family time, while still offering fans that slice of brilliance they crave.
The RCB Connection: A Love Story Beyond Retirement
What makes ABD’s story special isn’t just the runs or the centuries — it’s the bond with RCB and their fans. He was there through the highs and lows of nearly a decade-long journey with the franchise, and his love for the team hasn’t faded.
RCB clinching their first-ever IPL title in 2025 was a dream come true for many, including ABD, who was present at the Narendra Modi Stadium final. Seeing his former teammate Virat Kohli call him up to lift the trophy alongside Chris Gayle was a beautiful cricketing moment — a symbolic passing of the torch and a celebration of shared memories.
So what do you think – should ABD make a surprise IPL appearance again, or is he in the best place as the ultimate cricket legend off the field? Let us know below!
