AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni can be called two of the most legendary cricketers of the Indian Premier League. The two of them have had millions of fans worldwide, and each has left a legacy in the IPL. AB de Villiers recently revealed the reasons behind his choice to remain retired from the IPL, while MS Dhoni continues to play and captain with so much passion.
Let’s look at exactly what AB said, the reasons he shared, and how he sees his path as different from Dhoni’s.
What Did AB de Villiers Say About Not Following MS Dhoni’s IPL Path?
Following brilliant performances in the 2025 World Championship of Legends, AB de Villiers was interviewed as to whether he would be willing to play in the IPL, just as MS Dhoni was still doing, much into his forties. Comic-toned yet providing much insight into his decision, AB de Villiers reacted in kind due to his reputation as one with a good sense of humour and humility.
On Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, de Villiers said:
“I’ll be too nervous. I think I’d prefer just to support. I am a very good supporter. The IPL is just so long, and it is a three-month tournament. It’s a big commitment for a person of 41. You cannot compare me to Dhoni. I work much harder. I had much harder work over the years. I’m just joking. I’ll take my hat to them. But we are all different. Depends. I tried my best, and I’m content.”
The Real Reasons Behind AB de Villiers’ Decision
1. Age and Physical Commitment
AB de Villiers referred to the requirements of the IPL as a “very long and three-month tournament.” He mentioned that it would be challenging to adhere to such a load at the age of 41. While Dhoni appears to have perfected the problem of age with fitness and dedication, AB feels he enjoys more serenity playing behind his team rather than returning to the physical rigors.
2. Happiness with Retirement and Mental Fatigue
De Villiers stressed that, having done his best, he is happy with retirement. The demands of upper-level cricket demand physical as well as mental acuity. For AB, having played at the highest level for so long, retirement has been able to bring him satisfaction and prevented the strain that may accompany a return at this point.
3. Humorous Approach and Respect for Differences
His statement of working harder than Dhoni was in a humorous vein, and this shows the feeling of fraternity and respect. He said, “We all are different. It depends. I did the best that I could, and I am satisfied”. When he said that everyone has their way, he showed a deep regard for the strength and the determination that Dhoni showed, although they do not make the same choices.
AB de Villiers Still Respects MS Dhoni’s Incredible IPL Legacy
While AB de Villiers did not pursue the same path as Dhoni, he always appreciated his accomplishments and his legacy. He referred to Dhoni as a ‘diesel engine’ that would never stop working and agreed that the Indian legend can challenge age and expectation. De Villiers has even named Dhoni as the captain and wicketkeeper in his all-time IPL XI, underlining his admiration for Dhoni’s leadership.
AB de Villiers’ Achievements Post-IPL and Why a Comeback Is Unlikely
Following the conclusion of his IPL career in 2021, AB de Villiers demonstrated that class is eternal by taking the World Championship of Legends 2025. He had scored 429 runs off six matches, with three hundreds, and was awarded the Player of the Tournament. Even for this extraordinary display, he used it as an opportunity to reaffirm that he would not be going back to the IPL, since the expectations are too great, and he is content with his cricketing life.
Also Read: How the Absence of Bumrah Makes Mohammed Siraj a Leader and Match-Winning Bowler
Conclusion
The fact that AB de Villiers has declined to follow the IPL footsteps of his compatriot and rival, MS Dhoni, is due to a better understanding of himself, the veneration of the game of cricket, and a sense of satisfaction with his legacy that he has left behind. In a very respectful, somewhat humorous, and honest way, AB de Villiers gave fans and the press an uncompromising look inside his intentions, and we understand that in the world of greatness, there always is someone with a sense of when it is time to stand up and applaud. In case you are interested in getting a true insight about why AB de Villiers did not make it back to the IPL, there is no better source around than those words and jovial outlook.
