AB de Villiers to end international retirement? Graeme Smith hints at his return for West Indies tour

AB de Villiers could end his retirement from international cricket and come back to the South Africa cricket team. If reports and Graeme Smith’s press conference is to be believed, then Mr.360 could soon in Twenty20 Internationals. South Africa are touring West Indies for five T20Is and two Tests in June, with De Villiers expected to be part of the side. Along with De Villiers, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris could also feature in the power-packed Proteas squad. Tahir also retired from international cricket a couple of years ago but has been part of the Chennai Super Kings side in IPL.

Smith’s hint was shared by the Caribbean Cricket Podcast Tweet. They stated, “Cricket South Africa Director Graeme Smith has today confirmed that SA will travel to WI in June for 2 Tests and 5 T20Is at venues yet to be finalised. He also said he is hopeful of free agents AB De Villiers, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris playing.”

De Villiers’ return to international cricket grows

The hint thrown by Smith is a further continuation that South Africa has some plans for De Villiers. South Africa head coach Mark Boucher had hinted that de Villiers could be part of the side for the ICC World T20.

De Villiers himself gave the clarification that it would be great to represent the Proteas again. “It will be fantastic to play for South Africa again. I will be speaking with Boucher late end of IPL. Last year, he asked me whether I am interested and I said ‘absolutely’,” de Villiers said.

De Villiers last played international cricket during the 2018 series against Australia. After the Johannesburg Test, de Villiers decided that he wanted to retire from international cricket as he was ‘tired’. After retiring from international cricket, de Villiers continued to show his brilliance in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His exploits for Virat Kohli’s team often led to quotes stating that he was a ‘genius’.