IPL 2021: “It will be fantastic”, AB de Villiers open to make international return at T20 World Cup

AB de Villiers had announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018.

AB de Villiers | BCCI/IPLAB de Villiers, who called time on his international cricket career in May 2018, is open to make a comeback with South Africa at this year’s ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be held in India in October-November.

"If I can slot in, it will be fantastic," De Villiers said after playing a key role in RCB’s 38-run victory over KKR on Sunday (April 18).

WATCH: "Don't know how we will react if we win the trophy," says RCB's AB de Villiers

The 37-year-old added he won’t lose his sleep even if he is not able to make a comeback.

De Villiers said he is going to have a discussion with South Africa head coach Mark Boucher towards the end of the IPL.

"Last year I was asked and I said I am absolutely interested... with regards to my form, my fitness. We have to get the best 15 together, we will plan accordingly. I am speaking with Boucher towards the end of IPL," he added.

In fact, Boucher had hinted at De Villiers' possible international comeback just a couple of days ago.

"I did chat to him before he went to the IPL. The conversation is still very much open. AB being the person he is, he wanted to perform very well at the IPL, to prove to himself and everyone else that he is still a very key figure in world cricket and could dominate at that level," Boucher had said.

AB de Villiers slammed 76* off 34 balls (9 fours and 3 sixes) while Glenn Maxwell smashed 78 off 49 balls as RCB piled up a massive 204/4 in 20 overs against KKR at Chepauk.

"I want to win games of cricket for my team, the coaches feel strongly about me, I am not too worried, whatever role is assigned to me I will do my best. I play the situation to the best of my ability.

"At the moment I am floating between number five and six."

Commenting on the in-form Maxwell, AB said: "I think he looks happy, you just want to be in a good space, to feel confident about your own game. Maxi prepared really well, he just looks happy, he also had a string season.

"We chat in general but we can't tell each other what we are going to do playing at this level."

With the ball, RCB restricted KKR to 166/8 in 20 overs. Harshal Patel (2-17), Yuzvendra Chahal (2-34), Washington Sundar (1-33) and Kyle Jamieson (3-41) were among the wickets for Bangalore.

Talking about RCB’s bowling, De Villiers said, "Lot of credit must go to (pacer and purple cap holder) Harshal (Patel)... I think about the seam attack, they are very clear about what they want to achieve, there are a lot of options.

"The guys seem to know exactly what they are supposed to do and I am very chuffed about that."

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 19 Apr, 2021

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