The Missing Marvel: South Africa Wants AB de Villiers’ Return Would Ignite the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023
If there was one player cricket enthusiasts around the world wish could make a comeback in the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, the resounding answer would be none other than the enigmatic Abraham Benjamin de Villiers. Known by various names such as Mr. 360, Genius, and The Punisher, De Villiers, at the peak of his prowess, was a beacon of hope for South Africa, capable of turning the tide of any match.
De Villiers possessed a rare ability that struck fear into bowlers – an uncanny knack for taking the game away from the opposition without breaking a sweat. Just a few balls into his innings, and he would be smashing deliveries to all corners of the park, leaving bowlers dismayed and fans in thrilling entertainment.
His World Cup record is a testament to his cricketing genius. In 29 matches played across ICC Men’s ODI World Cups, De Villiers amassed 1207 runs at an astonishing average of 63 and a blistering strike rate of 117. His impact on the field was undeniable, and his absence since his last World Cup appearance in 2015 and subsequent retirement in 2018 left a void that has yet to be filled.
Kagiso Rabada, one of South Africa’s top fast bowlers, echoes the sentiments of fans and fellow players when he says, “The player I would bring back at the peak of their powers would be AB de Villiers. I mean, he’s just has the ability to change gears and the ability to impact the game hugely at any stage of the game.”
Heinrich Klaasen, another rising star in South African cricket, concurs, stating, “Obviously everyone wants an AB at his peak powers.”
For Lungi Ngidi, De Villiers’ presence in the team was a source of intimidation. Ngidi admits, “I think just having him in your team also, you know, struck fear into quite a lot of bowling lineups, so I’d definitely have to go with Mr. 360.”
Bavuma Confident South Africa Can Claim World Cup Glory
The consensus is clear – everyone desires to have AB de Villiers at his peak in their team. While South Africa has moved on without him, they remain a formidable side with the potential to make a significant impact in the 2023 World Cup. Speculations are rife that this tournament might just belong to South Africa, with or without their beloved Mr. 360.
Just a special player dearly missed by South African fans as well current cricketers who would have felt definitely ten feet tall if they had the opportunity to bring back Ab de Villiers in South Africa.
