Former South African captain and cricket legend AB de Villiers hinted at a potential return to the sport, more than three years after his last competitive match. Although he retired from international cricket in 2018, the 40-year-old continued to play in the IPL until he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after the IPL in 2021.

De Villiers is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-format batters and earned immense admiration from fans around the world. His unexpected retirement from international cricket in 2018 at the age of 34 shocked the cricket community. In a recent interview with journalist Melinda Farrell, De Villiers shared thoughts on a possible return:

“I might still give cricket another shot someday. There’s no confirmation yet, but I’m starting to feel it. My kids are pushing me a bit, and I feel like I could join them at the nets. If I enjoy it, maybe I’ll casually play some cricket again—nothing serious like IPL or South African tours.”

“Who knows what will happen? I’ll give it a go and see if my eye is still up to it. It’s a bit blurry, but the right one is the dominant one and seems to be working fine. I’m doing it for my kids, just to see if I can enjoy cricket again,” he added.

He made it clear that a return to the IPL or any competitive T20 league was not on the cards, emphasizing that his only desire would be to play cricket for the sheer enjoyment of the game.

Beyond his international achievements, De Villiers created several unforgettable moments in the IPL, cementing his place as one of India’s most beloved cricketers. When asked if his former South African teammate Imran Tahir could inspire a comeback, De Villiers pointed to Tahir’s continued high-level performances. The 45-year-old Tahir is currently playing in the ongoing SA20 for the Joburg Super Kings (JSK).

“I might even ask him to be part of my team wherever I play. Just so you know, he’s one of my all-time favorite players. Nothing too formal, though. We’re not talking about RCB or big leagues. I don’t want to feel that kind of pressure again. So wherever I play, I just want to have fun with it.”