The South African Cricketer AB de Villiers suggested that Indian players MS Dhoni and Kohli playing SA20 league will be one of the best farewell plans for the cricket stars.
AB de Villiers farewell Idea for Virat Kohli
Indian team would go on a transition period after every World Cup tournament. With India completing their World Cup campaign in second place, there is a question regarding the retiring period of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
On this occasion, the African cricketer de Villiers said that it would be wonderful if Indian stars like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli played in the SA20 League during their farewell season.
The former Indian skipper MS Dhoni announced his retirement in August 2020 and is playing in the IPL.
SA20 league is one of the most successful and popular leagues after IPL. With the inaugural edition being played in the 2022-23 season, the second edition will be played between January 10 to February 10.
The South African league features six franchises and all of them are acquired by IPL team owners. However, the BCCI has been retaining its policy of not allowing contracted players to play in overseas franchise leagues.
During an interview de Villiers believes that BCCI’s policy will be changed in the future. In responding to the query on SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith personally wanting Indian stars to play in the league, de Villiers said, “(Laughs) I think it would be very possible to get Virat over here.”
“Maybe for his final season, we’ll give him a wonderful farewell for the end of his career. I haven’t discussed it with any players except for Robin Uthappa and R.P Singh.”
“Not so long ago, we did some work together and I told them it would be great to see them over there. It doesn’t look like it’s meant to be for season two, but I’m very sure season three and onwards we’ll see that Indian influence over there.”
“Not sure who we will get, but it’s worth trying to get guys like MS and Virat perhaps playing in their final seasons there. We’ll look after them, you know,” highlighted de Villiers.
The South African cricketer de Villiers and Kohli shared an incredible bond as they played in the IP for Royal Challengers Bangalore. De Villiers retired from all formats of the game in November 2021.
Sharing his thoughts on the SA20 league, de Villiers suggested that the league is the second most popular league after IPL.
While asked about his suggestions to be implemented in the South Africa league, de Villiers said, “I just think more entertainment, more dancing, more screaming, more singing. We’re on the right track. The quality of cricket is fantastic. The crowds are coming in. It’s now just to make it louder and better.”
The first match of the SA20 league will be starting on January 10 between Sunrisers and Joburg Super Kings at St George’s Oval.
