AB de Villiers refuses to be compared to MS Dhoni
AB de Villiers lit up the recently wrapped edition of the World Championship of Legends. The South Africa Champions won the WCL 2025 title with a 9-wicket win over Pakistan Champions. The victory in Birmingham came off de Villiers's bat. The 360-degree Protea smashed 120 runs in the chase and remained unbeaten to seal off the spectacular victory. AB's form, as witnessed in WCL, reignited the discussion about his early exit from IPL. The RCB star bid goodbye to the biggest T20 League back in 2021, aged 37 then.
AB de Villiers reflects on his comparison with MS Dhoni
After WCL 2025 concluded with South Africa's victory, former Protean speedster Dale Steyn remarked that AB de Villiers is better than most of the cricketers still active in the IPL. AB de Villiers retired from IPL back in 2021, concluding his glorious run with the fan-favorite franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The South African, who enjoys quite a huge fan following in India, is still remembered fondly in the Indian T20 league, with RCB fans often calling their hero back into action.
Recently, AB de Villiers, in a conversation, opened up about the chance of his return to IPL. The interaction touched upon MS Dhoni. The former CSK captain, the beloved 'Thala' of Chennai Super Kings, is still active in the tournament. The World Cup-winning ex-Indian captain arrived at IPL 2025 as the oldest player in the league at 43. As the next season approaches, there's uncertainty about Dhoni's participation. The 5-time IPL winner has rested all chances on his fitness. If his body allows, fans can see Dhoni playing IPL 2026 as well. However, Dhoni's benchmark does not seem to work for de Villiers.
"I'll be too nervous. I think I'll rather just support. I'm a very good supporter. 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," said de Villiers. “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. It depends. I gave it my best shot and I'm happy," he added.
AB de Villiers hails Dewald Brevis as the next 360-degree player, rues his presence at CSK and not RCB
Further ahead in the conversation, AB de Villiers named his prospect who can take the tag of the next "Mr. 360-degree." Dewald Brevis, also known as 'Baby AB', won de Villiers' vote for the elusive title. The young South African has taken T20 cricket by storm with his show in IPL 2025 and other T20 leagues. Brevis is often compared to de Villiers for his ferocious strokeplay and his ability to hit the ball all around the ground. De Villiers, meanwhile, agrees with the public consensus as he hailed the young batter. Moreover, the former RCB star rued that Brevis plays for CSK and not RCB in the IPL.
"From South Africa, I would say Dewald Brevis (who could become the next 360-degree player in the game). Yeah, he has the Number 17 on the back. He plays a similar kind of cricket. He is very attacking and still has a lot to learn. He is playing for CSK and not RCB, that is a shame," de Villiers remarked.
