'Started Finding Myself Losing a Bit...': RCB Legend AB de Villiers On Moving Away From IPL
AB de Villiers last payed IPL in 2021 [X.com]
One of the most destructive batters of modern-day cricket, former South African batter AB de Villiers, bid adieu to Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2021 after playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL) in the UAE edition.
However, several rumors have floated around de Villiers' return to IPL, but have been proved otherwise. Now, in a video on his own YouTube channel, de Villiers, has asserted that the star-batter won't return to IPL as a player moving forward.
RCB during IPL 2023, held a massive Hall of Fame celebration at Bangalore, commemorating ABD and Chris Gayle for their services to the franchise.
Here's what ABD said
"I have thought about it before, but it's not going to happen. 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 39-year-old further explained the reason behind not returning to IPL as a player, having felt a lack of energy on the field during the last few editions.
"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,"
For RCB, the explosive batter slammed 4,522 runs in 144 appearances, while overall in 184 IPL matches, de Villers has scored 5,162 runs with three centuries and 40 half-centuries.
 "Vishal Mehra")
