AB de Villiers considering South Africa comeback for T20 World Cup

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman to discuss plans with Proteas coach Mark Boucher during IPL

Glenn Maxwell of Royal Challengers Bangalore hit 78 from 49 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Sportzpics for IPL

Glenn Maxwell plays switch hit against Kolkata Knight Riders. Sportzpics for IPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore's AB de Villiers smashed 76 from just 34 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Sunday. Sportzpics for IPL

AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell helped Royal Challengers Bangalore post 204-4. Sportzpics for IPL

Varun Chakaravarthy of Kolkata Knight Riders picked up two wickets. Sportzpics for IPL

Kyle Jamieson of Royal Challengers Bangalore looks on after taking the wicket of Shubman Gill. Sportzpics for IPL

Yuzvendra Chahal of Royal Challengers Bangalore celebrates the wicket of Nitish Rana. Sportzpics for IPL

Dinesh Karthik of Kolkata Knight Riders is out lbw. Sportzpics for IPL

AB de Villiers says he is planning to discuss his return to the national team with South Africa coach Mark Boucher during the IPL, ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore star retired from all forms of international cricket in 2018, but has regularly been touted for a comeback in the years since.

The 37-year-old batsman provided a reminder of his capabilities with 76 not out from 34 balls as Bangalore eased past Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Sunday.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in India later this year, De Villiers acknowledged he is considering a return.

“I haven’t had a discussion with [Boucher] yet, but we are lined up to have a chat somewhere during the IPL,” De Villiers said.

“But, yes, we already talked about it last year. He asked me if I would be interested, and I said 'absolutely'.

“At the end of the IPL we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form, my fitness, and also the situation with his team.

“He has to get the best 15 together, and look at the guys that have been performing well over the last while.

“If there is no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it’ll be fantastic for all these things to fall in to place.

“I am waiting to hear from Bouch towards the end of the IPL, and we will plan accordingly.”

De Villiers played another masterful hand as Bangalore continued their fine start to the new season.

His brisk half-century followed on from the excellence of Glenn Maxwell, who made 78 from 49 balls, as Bangalore racked up 204-4 at a ground that had proved difficult to score at so far in the competition.

Kolkata scarcely threatened in reply, as they managed 166-8 from their 20 overs.

Bangalore have now racked up three wins from their three matches to date, making it their best start ever to an IPL campaign.

What was eventually a comfortable win belied the fact Kolkata had started brightly, reducing Bangalore to 9-2, with both wickets for Varun Chakaravarty.

Eoin Morgan, the KKR captain, defended his decision to take Chakaravarty out of the bowling attack when Maxwell was new to the wicket.

“Glenn Maxwell is a fine player, but he is not their only destructive player, like we have seen today,” Morgan said.

“Having one or two [overs from Chakaravarty] up our sleeve, possibly to bowl at AB, you always need to have that.

“RCB are full of strength in depth, and the competition is as well, so you need to plan past one player.”