AB de Villiers has said that Cricket South Africa has shown a desire to have him back in the team but the seasoned batsman wants to ensure that he is in top form when the time comes for donning the national colours.
De Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in May 2018 but of late there have been talks of an imminent return to the national team.
“What I can share with you guys is that the desire is there from my side,” the 36-year-old, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s, told Star Sports.
“The desire to get me involved with the Proteas has been shown by Cricket South Africa as well. With Mark Boucher as Coach and Graeme Smith as Director, they are keen to get me involved which is very pleasing to hear. I hope everything works out and there a few things that need to fall in place.”
But the former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular in franchise cricket.
“The most important thing to me is I have to be in the tip-top form and I have to be better than the player next to me. If I deserve a spot in the side it becomes easy for me to feel like I deserve to be in the side and I have earned my spot,” he said.
South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the “best man for the job”. But in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, De Villiers is unsure when professional cricket will resume.
Note: An earlier version of this report stated that De Villiers said he was asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again. This report was updated after De Villiers denied making such a statement.