AB De Villiers Retirement: Mark Boucher Opens Up On AB de Villiers: The South African coach talked about AB de Villiers’ decision to stay away from the game
Hammered in the 2019 edition of the ODI Cricket World Cup, South Africa are in dire need of seeing their finest names step out for the upcoming T20 2021 World Cup in India.
And one name who was been talked about to bolster the club’s ranks was batsman and wicket-keeper, AB de Villiers. Currently retired, AB de Villiers had expressed a strong desire to once again step out for his country.
However, any speculation of his impending return to South Africa’s fold have been poured cold water over. The explosive batsman was left out of his country’s impending series against West Indies, a move which doused any lingering flames of the wicket-keeper’s return.
AB de Villiers Retirement: CSA Release Statement
In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, the country’s board talked about how the two parties had sat down at the table but had failed to reach a middle point.
“Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding, once and for all, that his retirement will remain final,” the statement said.
Boucher Respects AB de Villiers’ Decision
In the aftermath of the decision, South Africa’s coach, Mark Boucher has opened up on the latest development. While Boucher admitted he would have loved to have had AB de Villiers back, he was quick to assert that he respected the decision.
“AB has his reasons, which I respect. Unfortunately, he’s no longer in the mix. I say unfortunately because I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket,” Boucher told The Citizen.
“But he alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand.”
AB de Villiers has retired from all formats of international cricket back in 2018. His ravishing form for RCB in IPL 2021 would have seen him add much needed strength to South Africa’s batting unit.
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