'Unfortunately, it backfired, and I faced criticism' - AB de Villiers reminisces attempt to come out of retirement before 2019 ODI World Cup

South African cricket icon AB de Villiers recalled his attempt to come out of retirement before the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2019. The 360-degree batter had announced his retirement from international cricket back in 2018 which left many fans perplexed. Cricket South Africa attempted to bring him back to the national side but the cricketer refused to retract his decision.

De Villiers, who had captained Proteas in all three formats of the game, recently recalled his conversation with the then-captain Faf du Plessis before the 2019 ODI World Cup. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter reportedly asked Du Plessis if he could join the team a day before South Africa's World Cup squad was announced.

“I volunteered for the 2019 World Cup, believing I was in peak form. I apologized to Faf, admitting it was selfish, but offered to step in if someone was out of form and a spot opened up. Unfortunately, it backfired, and I faced criticism. People called me all sorts of names,” the 39-year-old said on his YouTube channel.

I didn't express my feelings adequately - De Villiers

De Villiers further spoke about his dissatisfaction with the lack of good communication during his cricketing career. He also reminisced about his feelings following the heartbreak of the 2015 ODI World Cup when the Proteas were knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final. The 39-year-old went on to mention the significance of players taking pauses from the game.

“I faced difficulties later in my career because I didn’t express my feelings adequately. After the 2015 World Cup loss, I wanted to take a break due to the disappointment and lack of fulfilment. The communication was lacking, affecting my international career for a few years," he added.

“It’s challenging when other players are putting in hard work for South Africa in series against India. They dedicated themselves, and then I, as an outsider, said, ‘Wait, I’m ready again.’ I also experienced that situation,” he further said.