'Don't compare me to him': AB de Villiers brutally cooks MS Dhoni

In a shocking statement, legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has taken a direct dig at MS Dhoni’s current role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 44-year-old MS Dhoni continues to play in the IPL despite his batting contributions having been modest in recent seasons.

But AB de Villiers, who retired from all forms of the game at the age of 37 years, made it clear that he doesn’t see himself and the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter on the same level when it comes to effort and output. Recently, the former RCB icon opened up about the challenges of staying committed to the game at an older age.

AB de Villiers questions MS Dhoni’s effort in IPL!!

The Proteas legend has insisted that he worked harder and gave more to the game. With Dhoni expected to turn up for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026, De Villiers refused to make any comparisons with one of the world’s most successful captains, with all ICC titles, saying he pushed himself harder and worked more throughout his career.

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However, Dhoni is still adored by millions and plays a key role in CSK’s setup, but De Villiers hinted that his own journey demanded more grind and intensity while taking a dig at the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s numbers in the recent IPL seasons.

AB de Villiers said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, “It is a really big commitment for someone at the age of 41. You can't compare me to him. I work a lot harder. I had a lot more hard work. I think throughout the years. No I'm just kidding”

"Dont compare me with him i work a lot more harder" 😭pic.twitter.com/CyKsvHqPwU https://t.co/ndm3rpzFQ0

— Advit' (@Advitxvirat) August 3, 2025

Dale Steyn says AB de Villiers is still better than many IPL players

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers may have retired, but his bat is still on fire. In the final of the World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025), the former great smashed a jaw-dropping century off just 47 balls to help South Africa Champions crush Pakistan Champions by nine wickets to lift the WCL trophy in Birmingham.

After his heroics, the former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn said that De Villiers is still better than many top players in the IPL. Steyn was amazed at how effortlessly his former teammate played, even after retiring from international cricket three years back.

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Dale Steyn posted on X: “Unpopular/Popular opinion. Ab is still better than half the internationals at IPL. Maybe even more.”

Unpopular/Popular opinion.

Ab is still better than half the internationals at IPL. Maybe even more.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 3, 2025

AB de Villiers steals the show in the WCL 2025 Final

Chasing 196 runs for WCL 2025 glory, De Villiers was at his brilliant best. He stayed not out on 120 runs from just 60 balls. He hit 10 fours and 8 sixes against Pakistan. AB first added 72 runs with opener Hashim Amla and then built a strong 125-run unbeaten partnership with JP Duminy, who also remained not out with a smooth 51 to win the final against the Pakistan Champions.

Earlier, Pakistan Champions got a strong start with Sharjeel Khan smashing 76 off 44 balls after opting to bat first in the WCL 2025 final. He shared a 72-run stand with Shoaib Malik. But things changed quickly after Hardus Viljoen and Wayne Parnell bowled tight spells, and they could post only 195 runs on the board against the South Africa Champions.