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In a recent update from his YouTube channel, cricket legend AB de Villiers reaffirmed his decision to not return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a player. A stalwart of the game, de Villiers' name has become synonymous with explosive cricketing performances, particularly during his time with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
"I have thought about it before, but it's not going to happen," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"I have made my call, and as I have done throughout my career, I have always tried to be loyal to fans and teams," the legendary player further added.
Joining RCB in 2011, the former South African cricketer carved a niche for himself within the franchise. Accumulating a whopping 4522 runs in 144 innings and maintaining a blistering strike rate of 158.33, de Villiers established himself as RCB's go-to run machine, often being the linchpin in crunch situations.
In March 2023, as a tribute to his unparalleled legacy, RCB celebrated de Villiers by inducting him into their Hall of Fame and retiring his jersey number. Such honors highlight the indelible mark he left not only on the franchise but on the entire IPL universe.
"Secondly, when I make decisions, I was told from a very young age to be clear with what you decide and to stick to it," he continued.
"A lot of thinking went into it. The reason for that is in the last couple of seasons, I started finding myself losing a bit of energy on the field."
"There are a few reasons for that. I only played two or three months in a year. So, finding myself in the middle thinking I am not as good as I used to be, was a terrible thing. If I am not here to be the best in the world to change this game, it's time for me to move on," AB de Villiers added.
De Villiers' IPL journey is adorned with moments that captivated fans globally. Among the myriad of exceptional innings, his iconic performance against the Rajasthan Royals in October 2020 stands out. He conjured a masterclass, scoring 55 runs in a mere 22 balls, anchoring RCB to a thrilling victory.
Though his playing days in the IPL might be behind him, the memories and records AB de Villiers crafted will continue to inspire and enthrall cricket enthusiasts for generations to come.
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