The (not quite) triumphant return of King AB de Villiers

Yuzvendra Chahal stood there. Ball in hand — poised to wreak havoc in the Ageas Bowl. It was a bright sunny afternoon. Jasprit Bumrah, the effervescent Indian pacer had given India a breakthrough. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla had found themselves back in the dressing shed. And now it was up to Faf du Plessis and David Miller. Well, as one would rightly assume — to do battle.

The Indian wrist spinners, aka the KulCha twins, have been quite a bother to the Proteas in the past. It took Chahal exactly five minutes to breach the gates of du Plessis. And just like that, the rebuilding was then left to the others. This was the tipping point of the South African World Cup problems.

The loss to India was a tough one. They showed heart. As they always do. But this time it was different, and from the outset, it seemed as though South African cricket was heading toward a downward spiral.

The evergreen AB de Villiers sat up in his arm-chair. Chahal’s performance was something that could have very well ended things, as far as South Africa was concerned. De Villiers, in his infinite wisdom, had chosen to retire from international cricket. He loved playing for his country. And what was more, everybody could see that.

He was a match winner if there ever was one. As captain, he was fairly successful. Of course, not to the likes of Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock, but managed a Proteas side that was fairly successful.

Dad’s Army

In his armchair, de Villiers, perhaps, watching the drama of the South African World Cup campaign unfold – began ducking and weaving. It was not a pleasant sight. Least of all a former South African captain. One of the best in the world. And most importantly, someone who had been on the fringes for less than a year.

Yes, most of us who follow the Royal Challengers Bangalore were familiar with his fireworks. The hardcore fans who watch the occasional RCB insider show are aware of the leadership skills he posses. Needless to say, he was ready for battle. A quick call was made from Pretoria to West London where an unassuming Faf du Plessis answered the phone.

The Cowdrey Connection

Michael Colin Cowdrey, a Baron nobleman watched as Jeff Thompson and Dennis Lillee made mincemeat of the English batting. Mike Denness, the charismatic England skipper put in a request for 41-year old Cowdrey to make an entry back into the team. And make an entry he did.

While things certainly did not go according to plan, as far as Cowdrey was concerned, it was quite clear that a boost was indeed needed. At 41, and boasting of splendid technique — it can be argued that Cowdrey did, in fact, ensure that the Brits save face against a scathing Australian pace attack.

It is comparable to an extent, the current AB de Villiers situation, especially given the fact that he has made an offer to come back into the national side. The likes of Pollock and Graeme Smith too have seconded the idea. The former went so far as to claim that he may well consider taking de Villiers back, in all his pomp and glory. Yet, one begs to ask the question — was the timing right?

The South African selectors too asked the question. However, they chose the safer option. Perhaps, it may affect the players who have stepped up in his absence they thought. Perhaps the dressing room might change once he is in the squad. So they thought again. These were serious talks. And everybody knew the magnitude of it.

The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Israel-Palestine negotiations, on the sports field, might have been as important as this. Once again, CSA, in their infinite wisdom made the decision. ABD would not indeed be a part of proceedings. And the Proteas would take their chances.

The timing, the issues, and the Whole nine yards

All said and done – AB de Villiers has left his mark on things. He is a legend of the game. Period! There is no comparison to that. However, there still looms the odd question about his retirement. Pollock, in an interview, suggested that it may be a right approach to have him as a replacement for an injury or two. The absence of Steyn and Ngidi might just be the tipping point. But to what extent?

Steyn is irrevocably ruled out, but what about Ngidi? Should de Villiers not come in for Ngidi. Or perhaps, it was just the timing. His form in the IPL might have picked up as the tournament went forward. But, the World Cup is an entirely different ball game. Everyone knows that. Bringing him it would be a massive roll of the dice for the Proteas.

However, at this point in time, it would seem as though they don’t really have much to lose as well. Three losses on the spin plan not working, Faf under intense pressure. Perhaps, rolling the dice and bringing him back might not be a bad idea after all.

At the moment, there is a contrarian viewpoint. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar have also signalled their intention of not wanting a de Villiers comeback. The selectors, for the moment, have rejected the offer of him making a comeback just for the World Cup. However, these decisions, as we have seen in the past, are subject to change. Whether they change or not, it remains to be seen.