ICC World Cup 2019 | Disappointed that AB de Villiers did not play, reveals Jonty Rhodes
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Amidst South Africa's disastrous run in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, a hot topic of discussion has been the controversial non-selection of AB de Villiers. Ex-Proteas cricketer Jonty Rhodes has said that South Africa indeed took the right decision, but feels disappointed about the whole situation.
Days after South Africa's shock defeat to Bangladesh in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, news broke out that South Africa had declined AB de Villier's last minute offer to represent Proteas in the World Cup. The news sparked massive controversy among fans, experts and Cricketers alike, who have all had their own say about the matter.Â
Jonty Rhodes has spoken about the controversy, and has said that despite de Villiers being an irreplacable asset, it wouldn't have been possible to recall him in the last moment. "You can't replace ABD and you can't accept him back in the last moment. He has been retired for a year so you can't (have him back), " Rhodes said in an interview to PTI.
Rhodes also said that South Africa ultimately failed as a team as a team needs more than one player to do well, quoting India as a perfect example. "I am a big fan of ABD and someone who is wanting South Africa to do well, it would be amazing to have him in the team but the team needs more than one player to do well and that is where India have been really impressive," he said.Â
While Rhodes expressed his disappointment in de Villiers missing out a place in the squad, ahe admitted the fact that it would not have been right to recall de Villiers in the last minute, after having stayed retired for almost a year.Â
"With no ABD in South Africa's preparation over the last 12 months, it would be a big ask to include him in the 11th hour. Disappointed that he did not play. Sad that he retired when he did but he is an international player who has had a fantastic career. It would not have been right for him to play having retired for almost a year," said Rhodes.
South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock also sparked controversy recently, rating the IPL Final as the most emotional moment of his career. When questioned about de Kock's comments and whether he has his priorities wrong, Rhodes was quick to jump to his defence. "He has not won a World Cup. So he is talking about a stage in front of 35,000 people, probably a billion watching around the world. So from that point of view I can understand where he is coming from," he said.Â
"South Africa have not been in a World Cup final. From his point of view it (IPL final) is the biggest game he has played. Our cricketers don't take anything lightly. We have a history with the World Cup and we want to settle that and you can only do that by winning it. If he would have won a World Cup final there is no way he would have chosen IPL final over it." Rhodes concluded on the matter.
