AB-De-Villiers
Many would argue that the South African cricket team is currently going through a transitional phase following the retirements of some high-profile figures including Imran Tahir, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy. However, it was the shock retirement of AB de Villiers which left the biggest void in the team.
Recently, while starring in the Big Bash League 2019-20, the legendary De Villiers acknowledged that there has been a lot of discussion about his comeback to the national side. The return to the Protean team would see him majorly focusing on the shortest version of the game.
South Africa’s head coach Mark Boucher has also been open to the idea of having De Villiers ABD back in the side. Former skipper Faf du Plessis, also expressed a desire to have the retired star back in time for the ICC T20 World Cup in November.
De Villiers was expected to play some international games before the start of the IPL Season 13 but that didn’t happen because of the coronavirus pandemic delaying tournaments all around the world. With the IPL being postponed till atleast April 15, ABD opened up on the possibility of an international comeback.
“Let’s wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible,” De Villiers said
The veteran powerhitter certainly doesn’t seem in any hurry. De Villiers announced shock retirement international cricket in 2018. The 36-year-old did offer to be a part of the South African squad before the World Cup 2019, however, the team management at that time didn’t allow him a place.
Speaking on his shock retirement call, De Villiers said:
“Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision. I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket. The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can’t do.”