'He is one of our best players' - Mark Boucher may ask AB de Villiers to come out of retirement ahead of T20 World Cup

Newly-appointed South Africa head coach Mark Boucher did not mince his words after taking over the reins as he made it clear that he would not have any problem in welcoming the availability of Kolpak players and recent retirees, including AB de Villiers. With an eye on rebuilding the Proteas, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman said that he would not shy away from taking any step to take the team forward.

While Boucher is not in control of the regulations around Kolpak, he is in a good position to talk to the retired players. All the focus is now on AB de Villiers who hung up his boots last summer, leaving everyone surprised. Just a few months after orchestrating Test series wins over India and Australia at home, the legendary batsman decided to call it quits.

Earlier this year, there were reports suggesting that de Villiers had expressed his desire to play in the World Cup. However, the Proteas team management had turned down the request and instead backed the players who played for the side in the last year. Mark Boucher, however, holds a different opinion and has made it clear that he can recall de Villiers if things fall in place.

AB de Villiers for T20 World Cup?

With less than a year remaining in the next T20 World Cup, Boucher said that he would love to have the best players. He further said that if he finds AB de Villiers fitting the criteria, he would not be hesitating in having a talk with him. “When you go to the World Cup, you want your best players playing for you.

“If I feel he is one of your best players, why wouldn’t I want to have a conversation with him? I’ve only just got into the job, I might have conversations with quite a few players and see where they are,” Boucher was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Boucher has a good relation with de Villiers. Both played together for South Africa and the former currently coaches him at the Tshwane Spartans, who will play in the Mzansi Super League final on Monday. De Villiers is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition.

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