The news of AB de Villiers wanting to make a comeback to international cricket for World Cup on the eve of team selection took everyone by a surprise. Never after retiring from the game, De Villiers showed signs of wanting to make a comeback but the report suggesting him making himself available for selection left everyone surprised.
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Many fans also criticsed the former Proteas skipper as they thought that he retired from the game to play T20 leagues around the world. For the first time since that story broke out, De Villiers made a public statement and revealed that he made himself available for World Cup only if the team needed him. He also stated that he has stayed truthful to the reasons of his retirement by cutting down the time he spends away from home.
Amidst this, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has reacted to De Villiers’ post and has lent his support to his RCB teammate. Here is what Kohli wrote while reacting to De Villiers’ post –
De Villiers retired from international cricket in May 2018, soon after he returned to South Africa after the completion of RCB’s campaign at IPL 2018. He had made himself available for T20 leagues around the world.
Till now, he has played in Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League, IPL and is set to play for Middlesex in T20 Blast. He was also linked to play in Big Bash League but for now, it is not confirmed whether he will be landing in Australia for the T20 league later this year or not.
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IPL, of all, remains to be the top-most priority for all cricketers and De Villiers is likely to play another 3-4 years of IPL. He has been part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2011 and will remain to be one of the key players for his side.
As far as South African team is concerned, there are changes on the cards following early exit of Proteas. With Faf du Plessis giving indications that he may not play next World Cup, a change in captaincy is imminent. Aiden Markram, who has led South Africa in past, could be given the job.