AB de Villiers Hints He Might Not Make International Comeback If T20 World Cup Is Postponed

While the cricket world is eagerly waiting for the return of AB de Villiers in international cricket, the former South Africa skipper is still not completely sure about the same. The star batsman is yet to make a firm decision on his availability for the T20 World Cup and has hinted that the likelihood of him playing would decrease if the tournament is postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ever since Mark Boucher took over as South Africa’s coach in December, speculations have been rife that AB de Villiers would be recalled to the national side. The former South Africa skipper sensationally announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 summer. He, however, has kept playing in franchise cricket all across the world.

Last year, he tried to represent South Africa in the World Cup but his proposal was turned down by the team-management. But in a recent interview, the legendary batsman hinted that he might not play for the Proteas again. In an interview with the Afrikaans weekly Rapport , AB de Villiers said that while form and fitness would be the major considerations around an international comeback, memories of his failed attempt to be considered for last year’s 50-over World Cup may also play a part.

“If the tournament is postponed to next year, a whole lot of things will change. At the moment I feel available but at the same time, I don’t know how my body will feel then and if I will be fit,” he told Rapport. “If I am 100% as good as I want to be, then I will be available. But if I am not, I won’t open myself up to that because I am not the type of person who does things at 80%.”

Fitness is not the only concern for the right-handed batsman. AB de Villiers also made it clear that he doesn’t want a repeat of the backlash that followed the revelation he had wanted to play at the 2019 World Cup.

“I am uncertain to give a definite answer as I have been very hurt and burned in the past,” he said.

“I can’t walk into the team. Like every other player, I have to work for my place and deserve it.

“I’ve never been the type of person who felt I should get just what I wanted. I can’t walk into the team. Like every other player, I have to work for my place and deserve it. It was very hurtful for me last year when people thought I assumed there was a place for me,” he added.

AB de Villiers is well aware of the fact that when cricket resumes he will have to prove himself all over again. “I’ll have to do the trials and show Boucher I’m still good enough. They should choose me because I’m really better than the guy next to me,” he said.

However, if he decides he does not want to play, he may ask to be involved in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

“I last played cricket in January and may not play for the next three months. My situation may be changing and I might get to a point where I have to tell Bouch I was interested and I would like to play a role but I’m not going to play myself,” he said.

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