Reports: AB de Villiers Likely To Return To National Colors For The Five-Match T20 Series Against The West Indies In June

In a stunning and sensational boost for South Africa, their former captain AB de Villiers could be wearing the national jersey again in the upcoming months. AB de Villiers, who retired from international cricket back in May 2018, has been in constant talks with the board regarding his comeback. The moment is likely to arrive with the keeper-batsman in the T20I series against the West Indies.

South Africa will visit the West Indies in early June to play two Tests and five T20Is. The Proteas’ limited-overs cricketers would then directly travel to Ireland for a previously announced tour in July. AB de Villiers stunned the cricketing fraternity by quitting international cricket in May 2018, with fans opining he retired way too early and could have played a lot more. The right-handed batsman cited fatigue as a significant reason for calling it a day.

But despite not playing at the top level, De Villiers continues to boss the shortest format of the game. It was evident in the last two editions of IPL, mainly the 2021 season, which the BCCI postponed recently. He struck two fifties in seven matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and constructed a crucial knock in the inaugural game of the edition against the Mumbai Indians.

De Villiers finished with 207 runs at 51.75 with a compelling strike rate of 164.29. The 37-year old has also improved his chances to feature in the T20 World Cup later this year and could make an irrefutable case if the gets an opportunity in the Caribbean and performs well. He said he would be thrilled to play for South Africa again and spoke to head coach Mark Boucher after IPL 2020 and was open to return.

If you look at AB de Villiers bat it doesn’t feel like he doesn’t play international cricket anymore: Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli conceded after De Villiers’ match-winning unbeaten fifty against the Delhi Capitals that despite not playing competitive cricket for the last five months, it does not feel like it. Kohli labelled the veteran as an asset for them and hailed his batting.

“AB doesn’t like me saying this, but he hasn’t played competitive cricket for 5 months, but if you look at him bat it doesn’t feel like he doesn’t play international cricket anymore. Hats off to him, keeps doing it again and again for us. Such an asset for us. I’ll say this again. He hasn’t played for five months, just watch that inning,” Kohli said.

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