'Would want to compete with Surya and Kohli' - AB de Villiers
If he were to make a comeback on the cricket pitch, he would love to compete with Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli he added.
Crickate
AB de Villiers is one of the finest batsmen in the modern era of international cricket. Fans were awestruck by De Villiers' inventive strokeplay on the field and his ability to adapt to various game formats. In May of 2018, at age 34, the former South Africa captain abruptly announced his retirement from international cricket.
He also announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2021, and he is no longer seen playing in any part of the world. Recently, the legendary cricketer admitted that he retired far too soon, and if he were to return to the field, he would adore to compete against Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli.
"Definitely. Still, I could participate. But the motivation is no longer present. Always, the goal is to be the greatest. I want to compete with Surya and Kohli if I return," de Villiers said in an interview with JioCinema.
Notably, de Villiers had several memorable partnerships with Kohli while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In contrast, Suryakumar Yadav is presently compared to him for his 360-degree strokeplay.
Further reflecting on his retirement, de Villiers disclosed that he had lost his motivation to be the greatest in the world, as one cannot be the best by playing only two or three months.
"Towards the tail end of my career, I did not play nearly enough cricket. I could never perform for only two or three months of the year because I want to be the best in the world, which is impossible if you only play for three months. Absolutely no possibility. Yes. Nine months of practice are permitted. But there is no comparison between intermediate practice and actual competition," he added.
Also See | Joe Root opens up on prospect of batting at 3 in ongoing Ashes
During his career, de Villiers was renowned for his ability to bat in any circumstance, be it a defensive knock to draw a Test match or a series of quick hundreds for his team in limited-overs cricket. Three times during his 15-year international tenure, he was named ICC One-Day International Player of the Year.
The most mind-boggling records held by the 39-year-old are the quickest 50 (16 balls), fastest 100 (31 balls), and fastest 150 (64 balls) in One Day Internationals.
