AB de Villiers eyes international comeback, aims to play WorldT20
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB de Villiers is eyeing an international comeback once again. The 360-degree batsman, who is in sublime form in the IPL 2021, aims to play for SA in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. He played a scintillating knock against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, which helped RCB claim their third consecutive win this season. Here is more.
Match
AB ripped apart the KKR bowling attack
AB de Villiers made a mockery of KKR bowlers in the afternoon game on Sunday. He joined in the middle when RCB were reduced to 95/3. Thereafter, he along with Glenn Maxwell shared a 53-run stand. He activated his beast mode after Maxwell departed. AB slammed an unbeaten 76 (34) with the help of 9 fours and 3 sixes, helping RCB post 204/4.
Discussion
AB to discuss about his international comeback with Boucher
After the game, AB de Villiers confirmed that he will discuss his international comeback with SA head coach Mark Boucher. "I haven't had a discussion with Boucher yet. We have been talking about it. And come the end of the IPL, we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form and my fitness," the former said.
Quote
'Will be fantastic if things fall into place'
"If there's no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it will be fantastic if all those things fall in place. Waiting for Bouchy towards the end of the IPL, and we will then plan accordingly," added AB
Retirement
AB wanted to play 2019 WC after announcing retirement
AB had announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in May 2018. Over a year later, the Proteas batsman made last-minute attempts to join the squad for the 2019 World Cup. However, his proposal was rejected by the team management as it was too late to accommodate him. Notably, he has been participating in global T20 leagues ever since.
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AB has performed well of late
AB has fared well in T20 leagues following his retirement. In the IPL 2019, he scored 442 runs from 13 matches at a formidable strike-rate of 154.01. He followed it up with 454 runs at 45.40 in the following season (2020).
Conversation
'The conversion is still very open', says Boucher
Boucher recently confirmed that he had a word with AB before he departed for the IPL. "The conversation is still open. AB being the person he is, he wanted to perform very well at the IPL. I said to him, 'You go do your thing and I'll give you a shout towards the end of IPL and see where you are'," said Boucher.