CRICKET De Villiers considering South Africa comeback as he targets T20 World Cup
AB de Villiers says he is planning to discuss his return to the national team with South Africa coach Mark Boucher during the Indian Premier League, ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore star retired from all forms of international cricket in 2018, but has regularly been touted for a comeback in the years since.
The 37-year-old batsman provided a reminder of his capabilities with 76 not out from 34 balls as Bangalore eased past Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai yesterday.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in India later this year, De Villiers acknowledged he is considering a return. “I haven’t had a discussion with him [Boucher] yet, but we are lined up to have a chat somewhere during the IPL,” De Villiers said.
“But, yes, we already talked about it last year. He asked me if I would be interested, and I said ‘absolutely’.
“At the end of the IPL we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form, my fitness, and also the situation with his team.
“He has to get the best 15 together, and look at the guys that have been performing well over the last while. If there is no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it’ll be fantastic for all things to fall into place. I am waiting to hear from Bouch towards the end of the IPL, and we will plan accordingly.”
De Villiers played another masterful hand as Bangalore continued their fine start to the new season. His brisk half-century followed on from the excellence of Glenn Maxwell, who made 78 from 49 balls, as Bangalore racked up 204-4 at a ground that has proven to be difficult to score on so far in the competition.
Kolkata only managed 166-8 from their 20 overs. Bangalore have now racked up three wins from their three matches to date, making it their best start ever to an IPL campaign.
What was eventually a comfortable win belied the fact Kolkata had started brightly, reducing Bangalore to 9-2, with both wickets for Varun Chakaravarty.
Eoin Morgan, the KKR captain, defended his decision to take Chakaravarty out of the bowling attack when Maxwell was new to the wicket.
“Glenn Maxwell is a fine player, but he is not their only destructive player, like we have seen today,” Morgan said.
“Having one or two [overs from Chakaravarty] up our sleeve, possibly to bowl at AB, you always need to have that.
“RCB are full of strength in depth, and the competition is as well, so you need to plan past one player.”