Mark Boucher reveals why AB de Villiers turned down South Africa return

Many cricket fans worldwide were left disappointed after Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that AB de Villiers will not return to the national team. De Villiers, who shockingly announced retirement from international cricket in 2018, was in talks to make a return in the Proteas side for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Moreover, SA head coach Mark Boucher had also hinted multiple times that De Villiers is in South Africa’s plan for the ICC event.

While the cricket world was optimistic about De Villiers donning South Africa jersey again, CSA, on Tuesday, broke the news that the former Proteas captain will remain retired. A day later, Boucher has explained the reason behind the decision. Acknowledging that the RCB dasher is still among the best T20 players at the moment, Boucher called the turn of events unfortunate but said he respects De Villiers’ decision.

AB de Villiers unfortunately not anymore in the scheme of things: Mark Boucher

“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. 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,” Boucher told The Citizen.

De Villiers’ potential return floated first during the 2019 World Cup in England. The then South African skipper Faf du Plessis claimed that De Villiers offered to break his retirement but CSA turned down the proposal keeping the hard work of other players in mind. South Africa had a horrible World Cup campaign as they could win just three of their nine league-stage games and were subsequently knocked out. Now that De Villiers has retired once for all, Boucher wants the side to look forward.

“As a coach I needed to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy-booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward,” Boucher asserted.

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