AB de Villiers provides update on potential retirement u-turn for South Africa 

With the new Cricket South Africa regime open to his return, there is a sense of excitement over De Villiers' comeback.

By Kashish Chadha - 18 Mar, 2020

AB de Villiers confirmed he is focussed solely on his next commitment to turn up for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year's edition of the IPL and isn't yet thinking about a potential retirement u-turn to again play for South Africa. 

De Villiers says he will be assessing the situation post the tournament that has now been delayed in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Read Also: Mark Boucher sets deadline for 'free agent' AB de Villiers' international comeback

"Let's wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment, and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible," IANS quoted the great batsman as saying.

At the point of his premature international retirement during the summer of 2018, De Villiers had cited excessive workload from playing all formats as one major reason behind his decision. He, however, has since featured in various T20 leagues around the world while also ensuring he spends just enough time with his family. 

"Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision," said the 36-year-old. "I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons, and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket."

"The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can't do."

Discipline with regards to your fitness regime, De Villiers says, is key if a cricketer is to prolong his stay in the modern-day game. 

"Discipline is the key," he reiterated. "Eating right and regular exercise are extremely important. It becomes a habit. Eat healthy, have a healthy lifestyle, and it's not difficult at all."

If indeed De Villiers comes back, he can represent Proteas at this year's Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, starting October 18, something which has been a great source of excitement for all his fans ever since the new of his potential return first broke. 

(Inputs from IANS)

By Kashish Chadha - 18 Mar, 2020

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