South Africa’s former captain AB de Villiers had hard times after his side faced defeat in the semi-final against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2015. He was crestfallen after the disheartening loss which also played a significant role in his decision to retire from the game in 2018.
In the rain-curtailed marquee clash, South Africa was favourite to qualify for the finals but the co-host New Zealand stunned the visitors at Eden Park. In the final over, New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott struck a gigantic six to chase down the 299 runs target with one ball remaining. He ended all the hopes of South Africa and it also became a nightmare for AB de Villiers.
I am sensitive, it hurt too much: AB de Villiers
De Villiers recalled that hurtful memory and said that he could not cope up with the heartbreak for a long time. He admitted that the World Cup defeat had a significance in hanging his boots from international cricket in 2018.
“I wouldn’t say from a criticism point of view…from a personal point of view, yeah it played a huge role (in his retirement),” de Villiers was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“I have a lot of respect for it.. there’s nothing, no one did me in or the team. We got beaten by sport on the night and it was actually a beautiful thing but it was difficult for me to get through that year and to specifically meet up with the team again a few months later, having to go again. Here we go again, we have to restart but I am like hold on, I am not over this World Cup. It hurt too much.”
“So yes, I am sensitive and those kinds of things play a huge role in how I feel and my ambitions and all of that stuff,” AB de Villiers added.
However, the news of AB de Villiers’ comeback always goes around. This year also there were speculations that Cricket South Africa (CSA) has contacted him to play in the T20 World Cup 2020. However, de Villiers had to come forward to pull down all the baseless rumours. He currently plays in T20 leagues worldwide.