Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that with the absence of AB de Villiers in the squad South Africa’s chances of winning the T20 World Cup has lessened.
South Africa has been one of the unluckiest team when it comes to ICC events. Despite fielding star-studded sides, the Proteas has always found it difficult to cross the line of knockout phases be it World Cup 1999 or World Cup 2015 and are yet to win T20 even either.
In the latest development, Cricket South Africa confirmed that AB de Villiers has officially announced that his retirement will stand final.
Seen AB de Villiers getting standing ovations in India similar to Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said that with AB de Villiers not there it’s very difficult for South Africa to win the T20 World Cup.
"The chances of their progress would have been better if AB de Villiers was there but if he is not there, it is impossible to get a player of his quality. The team still has good players but is it a team that can win the World Cup, I personally don't think so," Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra while lauding South Africa said that they might found difficult spin-friendly tracks.
"This team can do well, trouble a few people and spoil other teams' parties but they might not be able to win the World Cup because wherever it happens, whether in India or the UAE, I have my reservations with regards to their chances to win the tournament in these conditions," he said.
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Aakash Chopra further pointed out that even in the presence of AB de Villiers, South Africa failed to win the World Cup. He while admitting that their side is not that strong said that they don’t know how to close the big moments.
"The first thing is whether they can win the World Cup is a big question. They did not win when AB de Villiers was there as well. They play well but something happens when they come for an ICC trophy. At this point in time, the team is not that good.
“Let's be fair, don't count them out. They are a good team, they fight but they are also a team that struggles at the end and chokes at times. They don't really know how to close the big moments. That problem has been there with this team," he concluded.
