One of the most loved cricketers across the globe, South African batting star, AB De Villiers sent shockwaves in the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from international cricket on May 23. He had described himself as having “run out of gas” and being “tired” to have influenced him to call time on his career.
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Since then a lot of speculation has been made about the future of De Villiers in the Indian Premier League and his being a part of the Titans franchise in South Africa.
Finally, Mr.360 has shed some light regarding his intentions of playing the Indian Premier League in the coming years. On being asked in a recent interview, what is next for the 34-year-old, De Villiers said, “I will keep on playing IPL for a few years, and I would like to play for the Titans, and help some of the youngsters. But there are no set plans. I haven’t been able to say that for a long time.”
“There are some offers on the table from around the world, but it will be nice to wake up and wonder what to do; to be normal,” De Villiers added.
AB De Villiers has been a very integral part of the Kohli-led IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore since IPL 2011. Although RCB have had a poor outing in this year’s IPL where they failed to qualify for the playoffs, De Villiers scored an impressive 480 runs at an average of 53.33.
The batsman also expressed his gratitude for the love he has received from the fans in India. “Bangalore is a special place, a second home, really. I played my 100th Test there, and obviously RCB is a massive part of my life. India as a country has taken me in, and it’s hard to explain what that feels like. I just play cricket,” he added diffidently.
The Protean has enjoyed a god-like following in India due to his exciting style of cricket and fearless batting display. Not only the fans, but numerous cricketing legends are also in awe of the variety of shots De Villiers possesses.
It is nothing but a celebration of the highest level of cricket when ABD walks onto the ground and the Indian fans would love to see him play at least for some more years in the IPL.
