Cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat as South African icon AB de Villiers announces his highly anticipated return to the sport after a four-year hiatus. The electrifying batsman, renowned for his innovative style and unmatched versatility, will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). This prestigious T20 tournament, showcasing retired and non-contracted cricketing legends, promises a nostalgic yet thrilling spectacle for fans globally.

De Villiers’ decision to return stems from a renewed passion for the game, ignited by his own children’s burgeoning interest in cricket. “Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn’t feel the urge to play any more,” he stated in a WCL press release. “Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game. We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and, well, it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again.” He added, “So I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I’ll be ready for WCL in July.”

The cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement. De Villiers’ comeback is a monumental event, particularly for the Game Changers team. Already boasting a stellar lineup including Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir from the inaugural season, the addition of de Villiers as captain elevates the team to new heights.

Amandeep Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions and Founder of Game Changers, expressed his elation: “We are honoured to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights.”

Harry Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions, added, “AB de Villiers is not just a player; he’s an icon who has inspired millions around the world. His decision to lead our team is a testament to his love for the game, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board. This marks a historic moment for the team and the league.”

Harshit Tomar, Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, shared his enthusiasm: “This is precisely why we launched the WCL – to bring back the legends we deeply miss. As a fan of AB de Villiers, I’m thrilled to see him return to the field. I’m sure cricket lovers in England and beyond will be delighted by his comeback.”

Nishant Pitti, Chief Patron of the WCL, concluded, “Our partnership with the World Championship of Legends is a celebration of cricket’s golden era. The return of AB de Villiers embodies the spirit of the league, and we are privileged to witness this iconic moment.” The stage is set for a spectacular return, promising an unforgettable summer of cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was crowned the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year on January 27th, 2025, a richly deserved accolade reflecting his extraordinary 2024 season. His staggering statistics – 71 wickets in a mere 13 matches at a sub-15 average – speak volumes of his dominance.

This achievement is all the more remarkable considering his return from a back injury late in 2023. His overall average for the year stood at an incredible 14.92, firmly establishing him as the world’s number-one Test bowler.

Bumrah’s exceptional form was pivotal in keeping India competitive in the ICC World Test Championship, although they ultimately fell short of the final. His consistent brilliance, equally effective in home and away conditions, was recognized by the ICC, who lauded him as the “standout bowler in the world in 2024.” He outshone fellow nominees Harry Brook and Joe Root (England), and Kamindu Mendis (ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year), becoming the first Indian to win this award since Virat Kohli in 2018, following R Ashwin’s double win in 2016.

In a heartfelt statement, Bumrah expressed deep honour and gratitude, crediting his teammates, coaches, and the unwavering support of his fans. He emphasized the profound privilege of representing India and the joy his success brings to people around the world. The award represents not just individual brilliance but the culmination of collective effort and unwavering belief.

The recognition extends beyond this prestigious award. Bumrah remains a strong contender for the coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Men’s Cricketer of the Year, with the announcement scheduled for January 28th, 2025. He has already been selected for the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year for 2024, a testament to his consistently high performance.

His impact was decisive in India’s series victories against England and Bangladesh on home soil. Furthermore, he consistently rose to the occasion in challenging away conditions, notably in South Africa and Australia. His 357 overs bowled demonstrate his tireless work ethic, yet he maintained a phenomenal economy rate of 2.96 and a strike rate of 30.1—a remarkable feat in the context of modern Test cricket’s often high-scoring nature.

Bumrah’s achievement joins an elite group. He became the fourth Indian bowler to amass over 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, following in the footsteps of Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev. However, his exceptionally low average makes his accomplishment unique, surpassing even the achievements of the 17 other bowlers in Test history who have achieved the 70-wicket milestone in a calendar year. His 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, despite India’s 1-3 series loss, further underline his individual brilliance.

England’s bowling strategy against India’s aggressive batting lineup hinges on a wicket-taking approach, prioritizing dismissals over economy rate, according to senior pacer Mark Wood. This aggressive strategy, endorsed by coach Brendon McCullum, prioritizes impacting the game through wickets, even if it means conceding runs.

Wood’s comments come as England faces a 2-0 deficit in the five-match T20I series against India, a team whose T20 prowess has significantly improved under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

The previous match in Chennai highlighted the challenges this approach presents. While England’s collective bowling performance was deemed strong, Jofra Archer’s four-over spell, which conceded 60 runs to Tilak Varma, exemplifies the inherent risk. Wood acknowledges this, stating that while some bowlers conceded runs, the primary objective – and ultimately the path to victory – remained to secure wickets.

Despite this aggressive strategy, Wood emphasizes the importance of England’s spin bowling, particularly highlighting Adil Rashid’s crucial role as a wicket-taking force. He also points to the team’s diverse bowling options, including Livingstone and Bethell, providing flexibility in their approach.

Wood analyzes the previous match, suggesting that minor variations in fortune could have significantly altered the outcome. He cites an instance where a top-edged six could have easily been a wicket, highlighting the fine margins in high-stakes cricket. Reflecting on his own performance after a lengthy break from international cricket, Wood expresses satisfaction with his pace but identifies accuracy as an area needing improvement.

He acknowledges that some inconsistency is expected after a period away from competitive play and expresses confidence in his ability to refine his accuracy with increased match practice. This improvement is crucial as he looks ahead to future 50-over matches and the Champions Trophy.

Finally, Wood acknowledges the talent within India’s batting ranks, particularly praising the contributions of young players like Varma and Abhishek Sharma. However, he maintains his focus remains firmly on England’s performance and strategic execution. The series, currently dominated by India, presents a significant challenge for England, requiring them to adapt and refine their aggressive bowling approach to counter India’s powerful batting order. The upcoming match in Rajkot, known for its high-scoring potential, promises an exciting contest between two strong batting lineups.