BREAKING: AB de Villiers Announces Shock IPL Return

In a surprising revelation, retired South African cricket great AB de Villiers has officially revealed his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after taking a one-year break. The news has stunned the world of cricket, as fans did not anticipate the legendary cricketer returning to the heavily competitive tournament. De Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018 but also took a leave from the IPL earlier, providing a gap that his devoted fans missed. With his return now, the upcoming season is anticipated to gain extra momentum and also bring a renewed surge of excitement to the IPL.

De Villiers' IPL Legacy AB de Villiers has been among the most explosive and flamboyant players in IPL history. As someone who is versatile, innovative when it comes to batting, and match-winning, he has created a huge fan base. His comeback is set to bring back some of the magic that fans missed over the past few years.

Also Read:-Virat Kohli’s Next Big Goal: World Cup 2027!

Fan Response and Expectation Cricket fans are already abuzz on social networks, wondering in which IPL side he will end up and how he will turn the game around.

A number of top-ranking cricketers scored some classical runs, setting the platform for some unforgettable moments in the high voltage of IPL clashes. Virat Kohli has made a league-best score of 1053 runs, whereas MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Faf du Plessis have also been pivotal to the success of both the teams. The battle of two superpowers is hosting lots of tense situations, with every match becoming the latest chapter of IPL history.

Virat Kohli-The Leading Run-Getter:

The iconic Virat Kohli had been the top run-scorer in CSK vs. RCB matches with 1053 runs to his name. The consistent century-maker and the aggressive batsman who has treated CSK bowlers as his nightmare all along. There is no doubt that Kohli's fantastic performances have been the reason for some amazing moments like centuries and fifties and also for his dominance.

Most runs in CSK vs RCB IPL matches

1053 - Virat Kohli
765 - MS Dhoni
616 - Suresh Raina
519 - Faf du Plessis#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/kLXOzwi46l

— CRIC INSIGHTS (@Insights4Cric) March 28, 2025

Also read:GT vs MI: Match 09 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Other Batting Icons in the CSK-RCB Rivalry:

• MS Dhoni-With 765 runs, Dhoni has played some of the most memorable finishing knocks in this rivalry, guiding CSK to victory on multiple occasions.
• Suresh Raina-the iconic player from the Chennai Super Kings—has made 616 runs in this rivalry, demonstrating his aggressive approach and that he is a big-game player.
• Faf du Plessis,having played for both CSK and RCB, has registered 519 runs, showcasing his adaptability and consistency.
• AB de Villiers-The bold batting of AB de Villiers, undoubtedly, was giving RCB a lot of wins over CSK.
• Shane Watson represented both teams at different times, and he gave an unforgettable inning in the 2018 IPL final by scoring a century for CSK.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad-As a fast-rising star for CSK, Gaikwad made a huge impression in the previous seasons by playing a lot of classical shots in a very fluent manner.

With these batting giants shaping the CSK vs. RCB rivalry, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling battles in future IPL seasons.

Also read:IPL 2025: Sara Ali Khan to light up Guwahati as IPL celebrates 18 glorious years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for explosive batting, and the 20th over often decides the fate of matches with its high-stakes drama. Here’s a look at the top players with the most sixes in the 20th over, based on balls faced.

Leading the pack is the legendary MS Dhoni, reigns at the top of the chart with 69 sixes out off 330 balls. The nickname, "Captain Cool," that he has earned is due to his strength of the capability to end games with those big strikes which has made him the most favored player and the most fearful of bowlers in the death overs.

Following him is Kieron Pollard, who has succeeded in hitting 33 sixes off 189 balls. This West Indian at many times has been the individual who gets the advantage of the match to the side of Mumbai Indians by his extraordinary magnitude.

Most 6s in 20th Over in IPL

69 - MS Dhoni (330b)
33 - Kieron Pollard (189b)
30 - Ravindra Jadeja (181b)
28 - Hardik Pandya (117b)
23 - Rohit Sharma (91b)
21 - 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 (106b)*
20 - Dinesh Karthik (136b)
19 - AB Devilliers (88b)#DCvsLSG

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) March 24, 2025

Also Read: Krunal Pandya’s birthday celebrated in RCB camp amid IPL 2025

Next Ravindra Jadeja who has hit 30 sixes in 181 balls, & he is an epitome of versatility among cricketers. And Hardik Pandya’s 28 sixes in 117 balls prove how he always drives the onlookers to the edge of their seats. Rohit Sharma (23 sixes off 91 balls) and David Miller (21 sixes off 106 balls) contribute their part, with Miller still playing and setting his sights on the list’s ascension. Also on the list are Dinesh Karthik (20 sixes off 136 balls) and AB de Villiers (19 sixes off 88 balls) to complete the picture, the accolade of a game changer being appropriate for them.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran's smashing over: 28 runs in just six balls!

Their ability to maintain their cool is what sets apart in these high octane encounters. Classic moments from IPL history such as Dhoni’s helicopter shot and Pollard’s majestic lofts coupled with de Villiers’ 360 degree innovation will always remain in our memories. While Jadeja and Pandya have took the baton and established themselves as the new age phenomenal finishers with unmatched accuracy and power.

We might see new people on this list with the evolution of T20 cricket, but thoes names will always be remembered.

Cricket is a records game and there are some player who have pulled of such amazing feats in their careers that they have got name in guinness records. These records are recognized around the globe and they prove that these cricketers never let you down. Thus are some of these players who made that place by doing something truly amazing 

1) Muttiah Muralitharan -most Test Wicket
The all-time great off-spinner of Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan, holds the record most number of test wickets in the Guinness World Records. He has 800 under his belt in what he has played, a record today. The biggest partcipator in turning the ball sharply, hence one of the toughest bowlers to face then and there.

•  most wickets in Test cricket:800 wickets ,Year ended: December 2010

2 AB de Villiers :First to 50, 100 and 150 in ODI
South Africa are a very aggresive, `creatively minded' team with batsman AB de Villiers leading the charge. He also holds multiple Guinness World Records for the fastest half-century, century and 150 in ODIs (One Day International)

• Quickest 50: 16 balls
• In quickest 100= 31 balls
• Quickest 150: 64
• In: February 2015 vs. West Indies
  He was fondly called "Mr. 360” because of his extreme acumen in the bat, that he could hit a ball in all possible directions.

3 Fastest t20 century & max sixes in an Innings by Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle (West Indies): another one of the dangerous T20 batters.. Gayle is a T20 batted-based powerhouse with the Guinness World Record for the fastest century in this format notching an IPL 2013 match for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in just 30 balls & not-outs to hit another Championship jumbo.

In the same game he went on to hit 17 sixes, which is another record for most sixes in a T20 Innings.

• Fastest T20 century: 30 balls (IPL 2013)
• Most sixes in one innings: 17 Sixes

4. Sachin Tendulkar: Highest International Run scorer
God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar holds the record of scoring the most runs in international cricket matches, according to Guinness Book of Records.

• Most International runs: 34,357 runs
• 100 international century
• Between: 1989: 2013
  Sachin T’s records are a good example of why consistency is the greatest skill in cricket.

ALSO READ:IPL Stars Who Failed in International Cricket:Players Who Couldn't Replicate Their Success

5 MS Dhoni: Most expensive cricket bat ever sold
M.S. Dhoni: The most famous batsman for Indian cricket, cool-tempered (until he takes over from Steve Waugh), powerful finisher. The bat used by Gayle during the winning six during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final fetched ₹83 lakh ($161,295) when it was sold in an auction, the expenditure being the most ear-marked expenditure on any cricket bat worldwide TO DATE.

• Record: Most expensive bat ever sold at an auction
• Sold for: ₹83 lakh ($161,295)
• Auctioned in: 2011

The RCB Unbox 2025 event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was a grand affair for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) supporters. The event, which took place on March 17, 2025, unveiled the new team and revealed the jersey of the team for the next IPL season.

But the most poignant moment of the evening was when the stadium reverberated with deafening shouts of "ABD, ABD" in honor of former RCB legend AB de Villiers.

A Fan Favorite Forever

AB de Villiers, popularly called Mr. 360, was one of RCB's most important players for 11 years, scoring 5162 runs in the IPL.His match-winning sixes, phenomenal associations with Virat Kohli, and match-winning knocks that nobody will ever forget made him a fan favorite.

ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli at the RCB Unbox 2025 Event Sends Fans into Excitement

Although he retired, the affection for de Villiers is unabated among RCB fans. His name continues to remind one of sheer thrill rides, unbelievable strokes, and moments to cherish at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

'ABD, ABD' chants at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 🔥pic.twitter.com/9VlHFK6W7N

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 17, 2025

Looking Ahead

While RCB readies for IPL 2025, there's always hope for a fruitful season for fans. However, one thing is certain: AB de Villiers will remain special to RCB fans. "ABD, ABD" slogans are an assurance that legends never disappear!

AB de Villiers scored 101 Off 28 Balls in the Legends Match

AB de Villiers showed his brutal power in the Legends match. The South African cricket legend lit up SuperSport Park, Centurion, with an unbelievable knock in a legends match.

Playing for Titan Legends against Bulls Legends, AB de Villiers smashed a century in just 28 balls, hammering 15 sixes. He even reached his hundred in style with a massive six, reminding fans why he’s called "Mr. 360."

Meanwhile AB De villiers doing ABD things...
101 runs in 28 balls
15 Sixes
And it's apt his strike rate is 360 pic.twitter.com/axyQEJduZs

— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) March 9, 2025

AB de Villiers retired from all formats in 2021, with his last match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. Over the years, he played 184 IPL games, scoring 5,162 runs at an average close to 40 and a strike rate of 151.69. He also hit three centuries and 40 fifties, making him one of the league’s greatest players in all over the world.

https://t.co/HwJSww3Dbw

— 🆎 (@TIMEfactshindi1) March 9, 2025

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For South Africa, AB de Villiers had a special journey spanning 15 years, scoring over 20,000 runs in all formats. Even seven years after retiring from international cricket in 2018, he still holds the record for the fastest ODI century reaching 100 in just 31 balls. That inning also saw him smash the fastest ODI fifty and 16 sixes, records that stunned the world at the time.

Former RCB mate of Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers has lauded him with praise that Virat Kohli has achieved everything in cricket. If he wins the designated IPL trophy he can give a perfect finish to his great career. Virat has been associated with RCB since IPL's beginning and he has been a crucial part of the team. He has led the RCB team in 140 matches out of 252  before stepping down from the captaincy.

Virat has scored 8004 runs surpassing his co india mate Shikar Dhawan. In this spectular career he has hitten 8 century and 55 half centuries no one close to him. Virat Kohli is one of the few athletes who has missed less number of matches for his franchise. Though having these many decoratives in his extensive career but he couldn't able to win an IPL trophy. 

Read More: ECB Director Rob Key Has Suggested England to bring back the combination of bazzball in ODIs from retirement

Champions Trophy At Its Edge

Before attaining the IPL trophy Virat had the biggest target to accomplish when team India faced New Zealand in the final encounter of the Champions Trophy. India has reached their 5th finals of the Champions Trophy. India was runners-up for the last Champions Trophy which was held in 2017, In their Champions Trophy assignment India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets. Then they beat their arch rival Pakistan by 6 wickets and in their last leg match they defeated New Zealand by 44 runs.

Read More: Its Your Deeds Which Are More Important Says Shama Mohammad Backing Mohammad Shami On Ongoing Roza Issue

 In the semi-finals, they faced Australia and defeated them with 4 wickets remaining. Now they gonna face New Zealand in the finals of the Champions Trophy, Captain Rohit Sharma will be finishing his captaincy career on a high note. Virat Kohli had a huge impact in this Champions Trophy where he scored a century against Pakistan and a valuable 84 runs against Australia in the semi-finals. Virat will be aiming to finish the Champions Trophy on a high note as his co-partner Rohit Sharma.

AB De Villiers wishes Best To Virat

Virat former RCB mate has wished him and team India a best of luck for Champions Trophy final. RCB has reached final for three times in 2009,2011 and in 2016 but finished as runners up. 2016 was the most painful season for Virat he scored the season best score of 965 runs he was in a form of his life but couldn't happen in final. 

This year IPL going to start from March 22 , on this occassion Ab De Villiers has appreciated his team mate and he hopes that this will be the year where virat can achieve the IPL trophy, he is trying different and coming out of his zone if he wins this he will give a perfect finishing to his career. 

Former South African captain AB de Villiers picked his top five ODI batsmen of all time. Since he played with or against them, his choices are based on their finishing skills, consistency, leadership, and all-around talent and skills in the game.

5. Jacques Kallis 

The last player on AB de Villiers’ list of top five ODI batsmen was his former South African teammate, Jacques Kallis. He wasn’t just a great batsman but also a top-class all-rounder who played a huge role in South Africa’s success in ODIs with both bat and ball.  

Jacques Kallis is a top-class middle-order batsman who could handle the pressure in crucial times. Jacques Kallis Known for his solid technique, patience, and consistency, he scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs, including 17 centuries and 86 fifties, with an impressive average of 44.36. He was effective with the ball, taking 273 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, at an average of 31.79 and an economy rate of 4.84. To this day, he is the only all-rounder to score over 10,000 runs and take more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.

4. Ricky Ponting 

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in fourth place on AB de Villiers’ list of the best ODI batsmen list. Ricky Ponting was an aggressive player who loved to take on bowlers right from the first ball and aggressiveness makes bowlers mistakes. He had plenty of attacking shots and he was known for his consistency

He is one of the most feared batsmen of his time. But he wasn’t just a great batter and he is also a fantastic Captain. As captain, he led Australia to back-to-back ODI World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.  

Ponting played 375 ODIs for Australia, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03. His impressive record includes 30 centuries and 82 fifties, securing his place as one of the greatest ODI players ever in all time.

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Former South African captain AB de Villiers placed Sachin Tendulkar at number three on his list. Tendulkar is one of the greatest batsmen of all time in all formats, scoring a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties at an average of 44.83.  

He was the first player to score a double century in ODIs, achieving this feat against South Africa in 2010. As a classic opener, he built a strong partnership with Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Tendulkar also played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win, helping the team lift the trophy after 28 years. With his solid technique, ability to adapt, and skill to dominate bowlers across generations, Tendulkar became a true legend of the game and was known as a master blaster.

2. Virat Kohli 

AB de Villiers’ second pick for the best ODI batsman, Virat Kohli. For more than 15 years, Kohli has been one of India’s most Consistent batters in all formats. 

He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and quickly became one of the greatest in the ODI format. Recently, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to score 14,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 287 innings. He also holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, with 51 in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In 301 ODIs, Kohli has scored 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, proving why he is one of the best ODI batters of all time.

1. MS Dhoni 

AB de Villiers’ first pick for the best ODI batsman is MS Dhoni. Dhoni was one of the greatest ODI batters, known for his attacking style, incredible finishing skills, and ability to stay calm in difficult situations.  

Batting in the middle order as no.5, he could steady the innings and accelerate when needed. More than just a great batsman, Dhoni was also one of the best ODI captains, leading India to 110 wins in 200 matches. Under his Captaincy, India won the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with 10 centuries and 73 fifties, making him one of the best finishers and best captains for India.

 The Ultimate Crossover That Happened To Exist--

Although cricket and anime seem to be at the opposite ends of the spectrum, let's face the truth there are already several cricketers who are personifications of certain iconic anime characters in and out of the field.

These cricket stars, with their incredible skills and unique playing styles, some of these cricket stars might just be great heroes/villains in a new anime series. Imagine a world where cricket and anime collide, where some cricketers resemble anime heroes and villains alike.

1. Virat Kohli as Naruto Uzumaki

Famous anime character Naruto Uzumaki is a perfect example of somebody with burning passion, drive and never say die attitude. Virat Kohli, star of Indian cricket team same characters in him like those of an Indian cricket teams. Naruto-like perseverance; Kohli has often been painted performing against the odds. His power powered strokeplay, competitive nature and leadership are fitting to turn Naruto. Like Naruto always fighting to be the best, so has Kohli in his journey to become one of the top world cricket player.

2. MS Dhoni as Goku

MS Dhoni, India's erstwhile captain in calmness & strategic mind similar to Dragon Ball Z character Goku. Just like Goku the God warrior that can always maintain his cool under pressure and continue striving for self development in every aspect; Dhoni's coolness on field is the real thing. To me, the way Dhoni leads the team under stress particularly in the death overs is very much like Goku leading from front in climax battles. Moreover, they are both equally humble folks who will always back it up with their actions.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

 AB de villiers the instable cricketer of South Africa who bats in the extreme end, similar to Odessey and the Sea Monkey D. Luffy from one piece in the qualities he is full creative, adventurous and has zero regard for the known methods as he always surprises our opponents with his own take on fighting. Like Luffy at the sea — AB de Villiers with his form changing play continues to bring unpredictability and sheer fun to cricket.

ALSO READ:-Cricket who are the Goku, Naruto and Luffy?

4. Kane Williamson as Sasuke Uchiha

Kane Williamson, current captain of New Zealand's cricket team bears resemblance to Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto. They are both very collected and reflective by nature — both characters. Although Williamson's classed calm determination and high school baseball helps come the mental approach of Sasuke and his concentration in high stake moments makes them equal tough players. Sasuke is really no different than the New-standards Williamson is up against in international hockey.

5.Chris Gayle as All Might

All Might from my hero academia, the super hero in Homura's ring so it has to be the West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle West Indian super-batting macho man bakabombay Gayle with his massive sixes has an All Might like handsome with cruelty personality in real world. Both have their place in the hearts of fans, one for the confidence Gayle some how manages too deliver when it’s time. Gayle and All Might just blow away in their respective stories like demolition in real life.

There are some incredible cricket players, and no surprise their fans love to compare them to popular anime characters. Comparisons gives you about the qualities in a player like their strength determination and style. So who do you think might be Goku, Naruto and Luffy of this cricket world?

1.MS Dhoni Goku

Goku is strong and has the cool head in the face of danger, leader of Dragon Ball Z. MS Dhoni as per GokuSimilar. He is the heart and soul of India, many victories under his cool and calculated leadership. Dhoni always remains calm under pressure with a mentality that us Goku in every battle. If India faces problem Dhoni come out and win the match for his team, same like Goku solve any problems.

2.Virat Kohli as Naruto

The Naruto Signature over here; Hard work, dedication and determination. He never dies, when the heat is turned up high. Virat Kohli of many ways resembles Naruto. He trains hard everyday and plays very hard too, always striving to get better. Virat Kohli's journey in cricket teaches us just like Naruto became a one and only strong ninja with the right amount of dedication and hard work. A perfect Naruto, Kohli’s on field intensity and fire with the guy.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

One Piece's Luffy is a character who loves adventure. He is always up for a challenge and loves every bit of it. AB de Villiers is similar to Luffy when he plays cricket. With his aggressive batting style, de Villiers loves to play the game on the front foot and thrill the crowd. He is always ready to experiment with new things, as Luffy does in pursuit of adventure. Whether he is smashing huge sixes or facing challenging bowling attacks, AB de Villiers is always up for the challenge, as is Luffy's never-ending adventures.

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