Legendary cricketer AB de Villiers of South Africa talked about his bid to come out of retirement ahead of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Many cricket fans were confused when the 360-degree batsman announced his retirement from international cricket back in 2018. The cricket player refused to change his mind, despite efforts by Cricket South Africa to get him back on the national team.
Before the 2019 ODI World Cup, AB de Villiers, who had led the Proteas in all three forms of the game, recalled a chat he had with the captain at the time, Faf du Plessis. A day before South Africa’s World Cup lineup was revealed, the famed wicketkeeper-batter allegedly asked Faf du Plessiss if he might join the team.
I thought I was at the top of my game, so I volunteered for the 2019 World Cup. Admitting my selfishness, I apologized to Faf and volunteered to fill in if someone was acting inappropriately and a space became available. Sadly, it backfired, and I got criticized. On his YouTube channel, the 39-year-old added, “People called me all sorts of names.”
I didn’t fully convey how I felt – AB de Villiers
De Villiers went on to express his displeasure with the poor communication he had during his cricket career. He also spoke about his emotions after the Proteas’ heartbreaking elimination by New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2015 ODI World Cup. The 39-year-old continued by discussing the importance of players pausing while playing.
“I had trouble later in my job because I didn’t communicate my emotions clearly enough. I felt unfulfilled and disappointed after the 2015 World Cup, so I decided to take a sabbatical. My international career suffered for a few years due to the poor communication,” he continued.
When other players are working hard for South Africa in a series against India, it might be difficult. I said, “Wait, I’m ready again,” as an outsider, after they had dedicated themselves. I have also been in that position,” he continued.
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