South Africa Head Coach Mark Boucher, who was one of the most vocal voices asking former South Africa skipper and a T20 legend AB de Villiers to reconsider his retirement and join the national team, seems to have now made peace with it. Boucher feels that the 360-degree player has his reasons to not get back to international cricket and he respects that.
"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," Boucher was quoted as saying to The Citizen.
In a recent development, Cricket South Africa, while announcing the squad for the upcoming West Indies tour, did not select de Villiers into the squad. Later on, the board confirmed that the 37-year old's retirement is the final call and there would be no coming back for the player.
Boucher, who played alongside the RCB player at the national level, wanted him to come back after the latter announced a sudden retirement from all forms of international cricket. Boucher further delved on the topic saying that de Villiers wanted the up and coming players to serve the team, thus not becoming a hurdle in their way, he decided to stay put on his retirement decision.
"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," the former South Africa wicketkeeper explained.
The 45-year-old finally said that all must come to realise that there would be no option of de Villiers for South Africa anymore and hence must move on. "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," he said.