South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has put his weight behind AB de Villiers decision to hang boots from the International level. AB de Villiers had sent shocking waves in the cricket world when he decided to call it time on his International career.
The talisman Proteas batsman had claimed that he was ‘tired’ to continue plying on his trade at the topmost level. However, de Villiers had assured that he will continue to play for his domestic team Titans and also in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Dale Steyn said AB de Villiers wants to spend to time with his young family. In fact, it is generally a hectic schedule for an International cricketer. Steyn claimed that AB de Villiers has a young family to take care while he has only dogs with him.
“I believe AB doesn’t deserve to get a bad rap. Even though we both made our Test debuts in 2004, him and I are in two completely different boats. He is married with children and I only have dogs. Family time is a big pull for him right now. We spend on average 220 days of the year out of the country. It’s a long time to be away from your family especially when your children are growing up,” Dale Steyn said while talking to sport24.co.za.
Meanwhile, the fiery fast bowler Dale Steyn noted it is pleasing that South Africa has managed to win even without the services of AB de Villiers. The talent pool is getting wider which is a positive sign for the Proteas.
“Calling de Villiers a “phenomenal player”, Steyn said: “The pleasing aspect is the Proteas have managed to win without him. It’s nice that the circle (of talent) is getting bigger and there is hope for the future. Calling time on his international career has also given AB time to recover from a physical point of view. His back had been giving him trouble for so many years. Through sheer pride of representing South Africa, he pushed on,” Steyn inferred.
On the other hand, AB de Villiers has no regrets to call it a day on his International career. Meanwhile, Dale Steyn also made a comeback in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.