IPL 2021: AB de Villiers contemplates South Africa return for ICC World T20 2021

AB de Villiers is a former South African batsman who continues to give his priceless services to Indian Premier League's Royal Challengers Bangalore. He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 but has been contemplating a comeback to the limited-overs side.

Veteran former South African batting star AB de Villiers keeps delivering at the top level every time he steps onto the field. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2018, he continues to provide his valuable services to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

De Villiers is currently featuring for RCB in IPL 2021, where he has been prolific, scoring 125 runs in three innings at a heroic average of 62.50, including a half-century and a top score of an unbeaten 76. Consequently, it has made all wonder if Mr 360 is still strong enough to make a comeback to international cricket for Proteas and represent the side in the ICC World T20 2021.

Speaking on the same, de Villiers said that he is open to return and would talk to team head coach Mark Boucher. "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," he said after RCB's win against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

"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 Bouchy towards the end of the IPL, and we will then plan accordingly," he added.

As for Boucher, he had already stated last year that if de Villiers is willing and ready to play for South Africa again, he would unquestionably be selected. Meanwhile, with Proteas suffering a 1-3 series defeat to Pakistan recently, Boucher admitted that talks with Mr 360 are still on for a possible return.

De Villiers had also contemplated returning during the 2019 ICC World Cup in England, only to be ignored by the then national selectors. Since then, he has featured in 410 T20 games, averaging 46.60 and possesses a strike rate of 162.55, including 15 50s. In IPL 2020, he scored 454 runs for RCB, at an average of 45.40, including five half-centuries and finished as the side's third-highest run-scorer.