Paul Harris backs AB de Villiers, believes the skipper should be given a break

Whilst the Champions Trophy 2017 took so many twists and turns, there were some things which didn’t change drastically when compared to previous ICC events. The South African team once again entered the tournaments as favourites and disappointed everyone with a group-stage exit. In addition, they lost the T20 series against England which was played just after the Champions Trophy.

Yet again, AB de Villiers‘ ability to lead the side in adverse situations is under the scanner and is getting bashed on social media for his country’s disappointing run. Amidst the chaos, former South African cricketer Paul Harris defended AB de Villiers and extended his support to their country’s stalwart.

Terming the 33-year-old a “Legend”, Harris quoted that he deserves to have sculptures made on him outside union building, not the abuses that he’s getting currently. “As far as I am concerned AB de Villiers deserves a sculpture outside the union buildings, not the abuse he is getting #legend,” his tweet read.

As far as I am concerned @ABdeVilliers17 deserves a sculpture outside the union buildings, not the abuse he is getting. #legend

— paul harris (@paulharris12) June 27, 2017

“Abuse aimed at AB not a joke”

Shortly after South Africa’s Champions Trophy campaign came to an end, the left-arm spinner tweeted saying abusing a player of de Villiers’ stature ain’t a joke. He requested all the South African fans to stay calm and keep things as clean as possible.

“I know the Proteas were not great at the CT but jeepers some of the personal abuse aimed at AB de Villiers is a joke. Keep it clean please,” he quoted.

I know the Proteas were not great at the CT but jeepers some of the personal abuse aimed at @ABdeVilliers17 is a joke. Keep it clean please!

— paul harris (@paulharris12) June 14, 2017

The pressure building on “Mr.360” to either quit one of the formats or hand over the captaincy responsibilities to someone else is quite significant as of now. Former captain Graeme Smith wrote in his column in “The Independent” that de Villiers should step down as the ODI skipper and hand over the responsibilities to Faf du Plessis, who many see as a potential leader.

Speculations over AB de Villiers’ future in the longest format of the game have intensified in recent times. Apparently, the current skipper will be having a meeting with Cricket South Africa (CSA) in August to discuss his future in all formats.