Come back GOAT: AB de Villiers hits 37-ball WCL century to spark IPL callback

AB de Villiers has given cricket fans another reason to dream of seeing him back in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The South African great smashed a breathtaking 37-ball century against Australia at the World Championship of Legends (WCL), prompting fans to call for the 42-year-old to register for the IPL 2027 auction scheduled to be held in December.

De Villiers’ explosive batting showcased the extraordinary ball-striking ability that has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the IPL. His performance reignited talk of whether the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star could make a sensational return to the tournament.

111* OFF 40, DE VILLIERS Catch all the action from the World Championship of Legends LIVE on FanCode #WCL #Cricket #ABdeVilliers #Sixes FanCode (@FanCode) October 9, 2026

In two WCL matches, de Villiers amassed 181 runs at an average of 181 and a remarkable strike rate of 229.11. These numbers have strengthened the argument among fans that his ability to clear boundaries and change a match in the matter of overs remains undiminished.

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Against the Australian champions, de Villiers remained unbeaten on 111 off just 40 balls, smashing 6 fours and 11 sixes to help the South African champions chase down 210 in 15.4 overs. His innings was a reminder of the bold move that made him a fan favorite during his IPL career.

Fans were quick to express their desire to see the South African legend back in the IPL, with many urging him to enter the player auction.

“No kidding, AB de Villiers would still be playing with current IPL bowlers. Come back, GOAT!” one fan wrote.

“Ab de villiers please put your name in this ipl auction please…” wrote another fan.

“Undoubtedly, if 42-year-old GOAT AB de Villiers enters the IPL auction, he will be the most valuable player in IPL history,” wrote another fan.

De Villiers retired from the IPL and all forms of cricket in November 2021, ending an illustrious career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Has he scored 5,162 runs in 184 IPL matches, including 4,491 runs for RCB?

Now 42, de Villiers will be 43 in February 2027 before the next IPL season begins. Whether de Villiers will register for the auction remains unknown.

However, his remarkable WCL form has reignited the dream among fans to see the iconic batter back in IPL colours. For fans who still remember his breathtaking innings and match-winning runs, the message is clear: they want their GOAT back.

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