Faf du Plessis Opens Up On AB de Villiers' Chances Of Returning To International Cricket

The possibility of AB de Villiers making a u-turn on retirement is brightening up with every passing moment. The former South Africa captain had left everyone surprised by announcing his retirement last summer despite guiding his country to Test series wins over India and Australia a few months ago. Earlier this year, the star batsman had also expressed his desire of representing the Proteas in the World Cup.

However, South Africa team-management decided against bringing him in the team and opted for the players who were regular in the team. South Africa, however, had a disastrous campaign as they bowed out of the competition at the league stage. Their overall performance this year has not been good either as they have lost five Tests in a row.

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And with the next T20 World Cup less than a year away, it looks like AB de Villiers will don the South Africa jersey once again. Last week, newly-appointed South Africa head coach Mark Boucher had made it clear that he would not hesitate in talking to AB de Villiers over making a comeback to the team if he feels the need for it.

Faf du Plessis on AB de Villiers’ possible return:

Faf du Plessis had not sounded too eager or excited when AB de Villiers expressed his desire of playing in the World Cup. However, the South Africa captain seems to have changed his mind too. When asked about the De Villiers’ potential return for the showpiece event in Australia next year, du Plessis revealed that the talks had begun a few months ago.

“Those conversations have been happening two or three months ago,” said Du Plessis reacting to Boucher’s statement.

“It’s not a lot of time away from home. Obviously with a full campaign you have to spend a lot of time on the road. The T20 World Cup is not too far away and there isn’t a long list of T20 internationals over the season. Those conversations have taken place and they will take place before the next T20 international series starts,” he added.

AB de Villiers, meanwhile, last played international cricket in a Test series against Australia in 2017 and has since only been playing T20 cricket for franchise leagues all across the globe. He is currently playing in Mzansi Super League and will soon be seen in the Big Bash League. Before the T20 World Cup, he will also take part in the Indian Premier League.