AB de Villiers recalls 2010 Snub saying, “Delhi Didn't Keep Promise To Retain Me In IPL.”
One of the greatest batters of the modern era, former South African player AB de Villiers, has revealed that he was snubbed by erstwhile Delhi Daredevils after spending three seasons at the IPL franchise. Before making it big at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the South African batting legend had three lukewarm seasons with the Delhi franchise, now known as the Delhi Capitals. But in a team meeting, also attended by explosive opener David Warner of Australia, de Villiers was told that he was going to be "retained," but it happened otherwise as the franchise released him before the 2011 auction.
Recalling the incident in his YouTube channel, 'AB de Villiers 360', the former South African skipper said: "When I played in the 2010 season, I got called into the office and was told ‘you are going to get retained, young AB de Villiers'."" I sat alongside David Warner in that meeting. It came as a huge surprise to me a week or two later when I realized I had been released.
De Villiers added, "So the communication wasn't great back in the day; that must be different these days, but it's not a nice feeling."
The 39-year-old said it was a huge blow, and he was very nervous before the auction.
While continuing his statement, he said, “You're unsure of your career. At that time in 2010, I think I only played five games in that IPL season, so a lot of doubts crept up in my mind. But I did have a very good international season. I kept playing good cricket, and luckily for me, the auction happened, and I got picked up by RCB, and it changed my life forever. I have so many great memories with regards to that.