New Delhi: AB de Villiers' remarks about wanting to reduce his cricketing workload fuelled speculation of his retirement.
The South African was quick to clarify that he harbored no such wish at least for the near future and that playing was his country was still his number one priority.
However, the world's best batsman did make a comment about not playing "all kinds of cricket" going forward.
"It's always been the most important thing for me to enjoy my cricket. It's just important to look at the schedule moving forward, that's the talk in the camp and for me maybe not to play all kinds of cricket," he stated.
The 31-year-old then went on to specifically mention that playing in all the Indian Premier League does take a toll on his body.
"If I play all the IPL games the whole season, I do get a bit tired towards the end of the season. That's the only thing that I've been talking about in the last while. To keep myself fresh and to keep enjoying the game. I love representing my country and nothing has changed."
In the last few years, the right-hander's batting exploits have captured the imagination of the Indian crowds.
In terms of popularity, De Villiers is right up there with the likes of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Hence, it would turn out to be a huge disappointment for fans in India if the Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman quits the IPL going forward.
