South African Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith has hinted at a possible comeback of the AB de Villiers in the national squad for the series against West Indies. The Proteas are slated to travel to the Caribbean shores next month for a two-match Test series and a five-match T20I series.
ABD was in supreme touch during the 14th season of the Indian Premier League which had to be suspended indefinitely after several positive COVID cases came into the foray from four different bio-bubbles. Smith also added that with ABD, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris could also make a potential comeback for South Africa in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.
Mr 360 announced a sudden retirement from international cricket in 2018 after a Test series in Australia. Reportedly he was not happy with the team management and selection procedures an issue on which the former captain has been vocal for some time now. However, before the 2019 World Cup, he had offered to come out of retirement and play for the national team. However, his intentions were put to rest by the then skipper Faf du Plessis and the team management.
During the IPL, ABD expressed his desire to don the national colours again and added that he has been in touch with the national team coach Mark Boucher and has been discussing with him a possible return to the national team.
“We are lined up to have a chat sometime during the IPL. But yes, we've been talking about it already. Last year, he asked me if I would be interested. And I said, 'absolutely'. And come the end of the IPL, we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form and my fitness,” ABD had said.
Also, the situation with his team - he's got to look at his guys who have been performing well over the last while. If there's no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it will be fantastic if all those things fall in place. Waiting for [the chat with] Bouchy towards the end of the IPL, and we will then plan accordingly," ABD said in a post-match presentation ceremony during the IPL.