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BREAKING: AB de Villiers Announces Shock IPL Return
Follow UsThe South Africa batter has also expressed his intention to play in the T20 World Cup 2026
South Africa batter AB de Villiers has announced a shock return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fondly known as Mr 360 for his ability to play shots all around the park, de Villiers has linked up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the ongoing season. It remains unclear as to which player he will replace in the squad.
De Villiers represented RCB between 2011 and 2021 and scored 4,491 runs for them at a strike rate of 158.63 in the IPL. Overall, he has scored 5,162 runs in the tournament, second only to David Warner (6,565) in terms of most runs by an overseas player.
The 41-year-old returns to the fold with one eye on participating in the T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host.
Speaking of his return, De Villiers said, "I've spent some of my best moments in red and gold, and I look forward to playing my role in helping RCB win their maiden IPL title.
"I am also keen and open to returning to play for the Proteas, and if they need my services, I'd be honoured to play for my country at the T20 World Cup 2026. Having gotten close in 2024, I'd like to play my role in ensuring we go all the way in 2026," he added.
De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, had offered to return for South Africa for the 2019 World Cup, but the management decided to move on from him.
However, they are seriously considering having him back for the upcoming mega event. "AB is an all-time great, and the doors are always open for him," Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki said.
De Villiers has played 78 T20Is, the last of which came in 2017, scoring 1,672 runs at a strike rate of 135.16.
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