Graeme Smith hints at AB de Villiers' comeback for West Indies T20I series

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers is a batting powerhouse and is considered nothing less than a prodigy in the modern world. The veteran took South Africa to new heights both as a batter and a leader. However, in 2018 he abruptly decided to put an end to his illustrious international career of 15 years.

De Villiers’ last outing for Proteas came against Australia in a Test match at Johannesburg in March-April 2018 as in the very next month, he put forth his decision of hanging his boots at the age of 34. Though, AB put an end to his international career, time and again he has proved that a lot of cricket is still left in him.

The right-hander has been a constant player for the franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and every year plays some special and quickfire knocks that leave the fans and cricket fraternity in awe. AB’s brilliant performance in the T20 leagues across the globe has often sparked rumors regarding his potential comeback in international cricket for South Africa.

Last month, South Africa’s head coach Mark Boucher hinted towards the comeback of AB for South Africa in the T20 World Cup, scheduled in India in the months of October and November. The 37-year-old also gave a positive response as while speaking in the post-match presentation of an IPL 2021 match, he stated, “It will be fantastic to play for South Africa again, I will be speaking with Boucher late end of IPL – last year, he asked me whether I am interested and I said ‘absolutely’.”

Chris Morris and Imran Tahir likely to feature in SA’s T20I squad

Meanwhile, a month after Cricket South Africa (CSA) Director Graeme Smith also hinted towards the comeback of the former skipper along with other players including the likes of Imran Tahir and Chris Morris. Smith believes that the comeback of such players can bolster South Africa’s T20Is line-up.

Smith spoke about the comeback of AB de Villiers while announcing that South Africa will be touring West Indies for two Test matches and five T20 Internationals. Going by the hints given by the CSA Director, the fans can seen AB don the SA colors again during the five-match T20I series against West Indies.

The information regarding the same was shared by the Caribbean Cricket Podcast as they tweeted, “Cricket South Africa Director Graeme Smith has today confirmed that SA will travel to WI in June for 2 Tests and 5 T20is at venues yet to be finalised. He also said he is hopeful of free agents AB De Villiers, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris playing”