South African legend AB de Villiers could possibly return to the South African side three years after he announced international retirement. He could be playing the 5-match T20 International series against West Indies. He has already been recorded to show his desire to get back to his national team last year.
AB de Villiers’ retirement in May 2018 sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, as many stated that he hung up his boots too early and could have performed at a high level for much longer. While he listed fatigue as a key reason why he called it quits, he still is one of the elites in the shorter formats of the game despite losing a part of his fitness over time.
In his 15-year long cricket career for South Africa, he has held several records to date. In One Day Internationals, the records for fastest 50, 100, and 150 are all registered under his name. Adding to the list, his name is on the record for fastest 100 by a South African in tests, and the fastest 50 by a South African in T20 internationals.
After being a commendable performer in the IPL 2021 on a fairly consistent basis, he is even more excited at the prospect of put-on national colours again. His desire for a return has been no secret to everyone connected to the cricketing world.
Virat Kohli has been caught astounded by the brilliance he has showcased in IPL despite not having played internationally for over two years. His RCB teammate and India captain has stated that “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.”
AB de Villiers hit 75 runs in the victory against Delhi Capitals. He has also bagged two 50s in 7 matches and boasts an impressive 207 with a strike rate of 164.29. This kind of performances essentially make way for him to return on his national team’s next tour, and effectively in the T20 World Cup this year, which is said to be running according to schedule.