‘I Work A Lot Harder’: AB De Villiers Playfully Shares Why He Chose Not To Follow MS Dhoni’s IPL Path

When AB de Villiers steps onto a cricket field, something magical happens. The air feels lighter, boundaries look smaller, and the game itself seems to bend to his will. And even though the South African maestro hung up his professional boots years ago, his stunning exploits in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 have reminded the world of the unparalleled genius that is Abraham Benjamin de Villiers.

But along with his vintage brilliance, AB’s recent interviews have also offered poignant reflections on retirement, friendships with Indian legends, and that eternal question that fans still ask: Will he ever return to the IPL?

The answer? A firm no—but with a sprinkle of wit and a respectful jab at an old friend, MS Dhoni.

The IPL Question: AB vs Dhoni – A Light-Hearted Banter

In an appearance on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, AB de Villiers addressed the ever-buzzing question of a potential IPL comeback. Having lit up the league for years with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), alongside Virat Kohli, his absence still echoes among fans. But the 41-year-old was candid and humorous in shutting the door on a return.

“I’ll be too nervous. I think I’ll rather just support. I’m a very good supporter,” AB smiled. “The IPL is just very long and it is a three-month tournament. It’s a really big commitment for someone at the age of 41.”

He didn’t stop there. In classic AB style, he made a tongue-in-cheek remark about MS Dhoni, who continues to defy age and logic by playing for Chennai Super Kings well into his 40s.

“You can’t compare me to Dhoni. I work a lot harder. I had a lot more hard work through the years. I’m just kidding. I’ll take my hat off to them. But we’re all different. I gave it my best shot and I’m happy.”

While the dig was clearly in jest, the underlying truth hit home—continuing to play at the highest level demands more than talent. It demands sacrifice, stamina, and soul. AB has given it all. And now, he wants to give something else—his support, his mentorship, and his freedom to enjoy life beyond the boundary.

WCL 2025: A Legendary Return to Form

AB de Villiers may have retired from the professional game, but at WCL 2025, he was nothing short of invincible. Representing South Africa Champions, he didn’t just perform—he redefined domination. By the end of the tournament, he had racked up:

429 runs in 6 matches
3 centuries
Strike Rate: 201.4
Player of the Tournament
Player of the Match (Final)
Master Blaster of the Match
Most Valuable Player
Game Changer of the Match

The final alone was a masterclass in aggressive, calculated destruction. Facing Pakistan Champions, AB walked out with South Africa chasing 197. What followed was surreal—a 129 off just 60 balls*, peppered with 12 fours and 7 sixes. The chase was completed with 9 wickets in hand and more than two overs to spare.

His knock wasn’t just a statistical feat. It was theatre. A walk down memory lane. And a parting gift to fans who thought they had seen the last of his magic.

The Group Stage Onslaught: Vintage AB

While the final may have sealed the trophy, the groundwork was laid much earlier.

Against Australia Champions, de Villiers smashed 123 off 46 balls. Sixes over fine leg. Scoops behind square. Pulls over midwicket. It was AB in full flight, and bowlers were reduced to spectators.
Two days later, against England Champions, he followed it up with 116 off 58 balls*, finishing another clinical run chase.

Such back-to-back hundreds are rare in any format. But to do it in a veterans’ league, under heat and pressure, showed how well AB has preserved not just his fitness but also his mental sharpness.

Semifinal Drama: Fielding Heroics & a Final Ball Run-Out

AB’s contributions weren’t limited to just the bat.

In the semifinal versus Australia Champions, it came down to the last ball. Australia needed 2 runs. Chris Lynn was still at the crease. But de Villiers pulled off a stunning diving catch in the deep earlier in the innings to remove him.

Then, with scores tied and one ball to go, he was part of a razor-sharp run-out at the non-striker’s end. It was the kind of fielding you expect from a 28-year-old AB, not someone well into his 40s.

The crowd erupted. The win was sealed. And de Villiers stood there, fist clenched, soaking in the moment like he did at the Wanderers in 2015 or Bangalore in 2016.

More Than Just a Cricketer: AB’s Bond with India

Over the years, de Villiers has become more than a foreign player in Indian cricket—he is family.

From his deep friendship with Virat Kohli to his long stint at RCB, he shares a bond with Indian fans that transcends national boundaries. He’s played Holi with Indian teammates, sung Bollywood songs on live TV, and even featured in advertisements targeting Indian audiences.

In one interview, he recalled how special it was to walk out at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

“When I walked out there, the love I felt from Indian fans—no words. It was like a second home.”

And despite the teasing remark about Dhoni, it was clear he holds the Indian legend in high regard.

“What Dhoni has done, not just in IPL, but for cricket, is incredible. He’s calm, composed, and still makes brilliant decisions under pressure. I admire him immensely.”

Why AB’s Story Still Resonates

Many athletes fade post-retirement. Their stories get buried under the next wave of talent. But AB’s legacy is sticky. It’s visceral. It’s emotional.

Why?

Because de Villiers played with joy. His batting was art. He smiled in pressure. He respected opponents. He never chased records—he chased moments.

Even now, when he plays in legends leagues, or when he simply shows up on commentary, the buzz is real.

The “ABD! ABD!” chants haven’t died. They’ve just moved to new stadiums.

Life After Cricket: A Balanced Perspective

Today, AB is a content man. He fishes. He golfs. He spends time with family. He works with young cricketers in South Africa and supports global cricket initiatives.

His decision to stay away from full-time commentary or coaching is deliberate.

“I love cricket. But I also love time. I missed a lot of family moments when I was playing. Now, I get to be around, and that’s priceless.”

Yet, his insight remains sharp. His presence in the WCL 2025 and his podcast appearances show a man still deeply in love with the game—but on his own terms.

AB’s Legacy Will Never Retire

In the coming years, cricket will produce many stars. Many will score 10,000 runs. Some will hit sixes out of stadiums. A few may even win more trophies.

But there will never be another like AB de Villiers.

The man who could paddle-scoop a 145kph yorker for six. The man who respected the game while changing it. The man who was cheered equally in Cape Town and Kolkata.

His performances in WCL 2025 were not a comeback—they were a reminder.

That genius never fades.

That class is permanent.

And that some stories don’t end with retirement—they begin anew.

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