Legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers, who has been contemplating an international comeback to boost South Africa’s chances for 2020 ICC World Twenty20, has opined that his current focus is on the Indian Premier League (IPL).
One of the most dangerous batsmen of his generation, Mr. 360 said that comeback wasn’t on his mind as he was focused on IPL’s 13th edition.
“Let’s wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment, and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible,” he told news agency IANS.
Years before his retirement, AB had often highlighted the workload management part – something which has been time and again been highlighted by Indian captain Virat Kohli as well. Opining that the mental and physical demands of cricket are altogether on a different level these days, AB said it was for the individuals to take a call personally.
“Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision. I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons, and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket. The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can’t do,” he added.
With Cricket South Africa (CSA) revamping its coaching staff after a poor show in ICC World Cup 2019, head coach Mark Boucher said that the management was in talks with de Villiers for his return to international cricket.
“He’s a discussion in the media and in the public but he is no discussion for me. I have had chats with him and we will probably know pretty soon what’s going to happen with him,” Boucher was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
