AB de Villiers decided to not come out of international retirement for the ICC World T20 in 2021, putting an end to all speculations about his return back to the South Africa side.
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There has been intense speculation about the return of AB de Villiers back into the South Africa cricket team. The Proteas star, who announced his retirement in 2018, was in fine form for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In subsequent editions of the IPL for three years, de Villiers has been in fine form with the bat. It was expected that he would come out of international retirement to help South Africa in ICC World T20 2021.
Mark Boucher, the head coach of the South Africa team and Graeme Smith, the former captain had said that they would be talking with AB de Villiers for a comeback. However, all hopes for a comeback were dashed. Recently, Cricket South Africa released a statement that De Villiers had reiterated his retirement stance to them. This meant that he would not be forming part of the Proteas set up, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Speaking to the South African, Boucher opened up on why de Villiers did not want to come out of retirement. “De Villiers alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand,” Boucher said.
Boucher said that he respected the decision of de Villiers to not come out of retirement. “I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket. But as a coach, I need to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward,” Boucher said.
AB de Villiers was one of the pivotal members of the Royal Challengers Bangalore side from 2018 to 2021. In the first match of IPL 2021, he helped Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Mumbai Indians by two wickets. IPL 2021 has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
