08 January,2024 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AB De Villiers, David Warner (Pic: File Pic)
South Africa legend AB De Villiers praised Australian star opening batsman David Warner after his test retirement by saying that he is a huge fighter.
During 2009-10 of the Indian Premier League, De Villiers and Warner shared the dressing room while while playing for Delhi Daredevils. The Proteas batsman talked about the confidence he had in Warner about him becoming a superstar cricketer and how we always recovered from tough situations.
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"I had played with David Warner at the Delhi Daredevils. He was a fantastic player right from the word go and he has put up his hand for one of the best all-round cricketers of all time. Went through a lot of controversies as well but always found a way to come back. He is a huge fighter," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
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De Villiers appreciated Warner for showing a willingness to remain available for Australia for the Champions Trophy 2025 despite announcing retirement from ODIs. The Aussies star said that he would be there for Australia if they needed him, which is exactly what De Villiers has previously stated.
De Villiers took a potshot at the South African setup at the time for not selecting him despite confirming his availability for both the T20 World Cup and the 2019 ODI World Cup.
"I am incredibly grateful to have played all formats for my country. Then I did exactly what David Warner did. I had a family back home so I didn't want to tour anymore. I wanted to play in the T20 World Cup, which was frowned upon but now everybody is doing it. I wish I played another World Cup for South Africa. I wish I could say just like Warner that if you need me, I am available," the 39-year-old opined.
The 37-year-old also announced his retirement from One-Day International cricket before the start of his final Test match. This implies that barring a comeback, the Southpaw's victory in the ODI World Cup will be his final competition in the 50-over format.
(With ANI Inputs)
