AB de Villiers Teases Possible Comeback to Cricket, Wants to Play for Fun and Family

AB de Villiers, the renowned South African cricketer, has sparked excitement among fans with his recent hints at a potential return to the game. The 40-year-old, who retired from all forms of cricket in November 2021, has been focused on spending time with his family and engaging in charity work, as well as broadcasting. In a candid interview with Melinda Farrell on her YouTube channel, de Villiers gave the impression that he would love to return to cricket but this time around in an informal and enjoying way.

As de Villiers has often been regarded for playing innovative batting along with the fact that he used to play all sorts of shots on the field, he came forward and expressed his interest to play "real cricket". However, he emphasized that it wouldn't be in the intense atmosphere of professional leagues such as the IPL or SA20. However, instead de Villiers indicated his interest in returning to the game casually: this time purely for fun with an added component of spending quality time with his kids. De Villiers said that kids-must have nudged him about resuming playing-the kids- his sons Abraham and John-and his daughter, Yente-.

"My kids are putting me under a bit of pressure," de Villiers explained, referring to his family. "I feel like I could go to the nets with them and maybe bowl some balls for them. Perhaps I’ll walk out and play a bit of casual cricket somewhere."

In his playful tone, de Villiers shared that he was thinking about participating in some "real cricket," though he stressed that it would be far removed from the competitive world of professional cricket. "I’m not talking about IPL or SA20," he clarified. "I’ve had my fair share of high-pressure cricket, and I’m done with that." His focus now is simply to enjoy the game again in a more laid-back environment, free from the stresses of professional cricket.

A challenge that might stand in the way of de Villiers' return to competitive play is his eyesight. The cricketing legend revealed that his left eye had become "a bit blurry," but assured fans that his right eye was still in good order. This minor issue, however, would not stop him from trying some fun cricket with his kids. "I'm doing it for my kids and to see if I can enjoy the game again, even in a casual way," he said, full of optimism.

De Villiers is clear about not wanting to relive the intense pressures of professional cricket. While he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing again, he reiterated that his comeback would be on his own terms. "Wherever I go, I just want to have a bit of fun," he said. His fans, who have fond memories of his dynamic batting style and his versatility on the field, would surely welcome the idea of seeing the former captain enjoy the game once again, even if it’s just for a few casual matches.

Throughout his illustrious career, de Villiers was known for his explosive batting and record-breaking feats. He played 114 Test and 228 One Day Internationals and 78 T20I appearances for South Africa. He achieved several record-breaking feats-the fastest half-century (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODIs. A variety of his shots, including unorthodox strokes, earned him a nickname "Mr. 360," and for sure, it will be great entertainment brought by the guy to the stadium.

Though de Villiers is keeping himself busy with charity work and television commentating, the hope that he may don the whites once again, though only for some friendly game, is what is keeping cricket lovers glued to the screens. His lighthearted frank statements suggest he hasn't fully shut the window, although well evident that he's opened his priorities toward family and enjoyment rather than the field. Whether or not he comes back to the circuit, one thing is sure; AB de Villiers will be remembered as one of the most innovative and charismatic cricketers to have played the game ever.

Though the future may hold something in store for him in the cricket field, what de Villiers may do when he plays just for fun has a warming glow to remind the world about why he picked up the sport in the first place. Well, fans certainly wait for his decision and stepping out once more onto that green pitch that once held promise and pressure alike in professional games. Only time will tell where de Villiers' journey in cricket may take him from here.