South African Coach Ottis Gibson admitted that retirement of AB De Villiers from international cricket was a blow to South Africa’s hopes of winning the Cricket World Cup next year.
Gibson revealed that he had spoken to De Villiers the day before he announced his retirement but failed to change up his mind.
“We had a conversation,” said Gibson, briefing the journalists
Gibson said De Villiers decision was a shock to him “He called me the morning before he made the announcement,” said Gibson. “We had a long conversation around whether he was making the right decision. He reckons he is. He has spoken to the people in his close circle.”
“He is one of the best players in the world. He could have made a huge difference in the World Cup and he knows that… he’s chosen to walk away from the game at this time and it is what it is.”
Gibson said the World Cup in England and Wales in June 2019 was still a year away. “We’ll have to alter our plans obviously but it gives us enough time to do that.”
34-years-old De Villiers announced his retirement from International cricket on last Wednesday just after few days after his stint with RCB in the recently concluded IPL.
“It’s disappointing for the country and world cricket that AB de Villiers is”t playing cricket anymore,” said Gibson.
