A naturally-gifted sportsman, Gibbs probably could have represented his country in football or rugby, but fortunately for South African cricket, he opted to show off his talents with a bat.
Since making his international debut, the right-hander has become one of the top batsmen in world cricket and a key member of the squad.
His natural attacking strokeplay and determination to get after bowlers makes him an unusual Test opening batsman and a one-day star.
Gibbs will be hoping to leave a mark on the tournament with his batting this time around as opposed to the dropped catch that gave Australia a reprieve and marred his last campaign.
The opener has notched up more than 3,500 runs in one-day international cricket and is in double figures for the number of centuries he has made.
In October he hit a record-equalling three consecutive one-day centuries and was only denied a fourth when left stranded on 97 not out against Bangladesh.