South Africa coach Ottis Gibson has spoken about AB de Villiers’ retirement. The Proteas coach was apparently left shocked by the decision made by the Royal Challengers Bangalore star.

De Villiers, who announced his retirement from international cricket last week, apparently called Gibson in the morning before he made his announcement and revealed his future plans to the coach.

“The announcement came as a shock to me,” Gibson was quoted as saying by Sport24. “We had a conversation. He called me the morning before he made the announcement, telling me what he was planning to do.”

Ottis then affirmed that AB thinks that he made the right decision to hang up his boots. He did, however, mention that being without the batsman, known as Mr 360 for his ability to hit the ball all around the park, in the World Cup is a big blow to the team’s ambition to win their first ever title.

“We had a long conversation around whether he was making the right decision and he has spoken to the people closest to him and he reckons that he is.”

“He is one of the best players in the world. He could have made a huge difference in the World Cup and he knows that. We all know that. He’s chosen to walk away from the game and it is what it is,” Gibson added. “Yes, it’s disappointing for the country and world cricket that AB de Villiers isn’t playing cricket anymore.”

Gibson then enthused that de Villiers is irreplaceable but that his absence is an opportunity for someone to stand up.

“I don’t believe he can be replaced, but it gives an opportunity for somebody else to put their hand up. There is a space there that somebody can fill now.”

Finally, Gibson stated that de Villiers could join the coaching staff should he be interested and should there be a vacancy.  

“If he expresses an interest and there’s a position for him, then of course. I would imagine a guy like him would have massive knowledge to pass on to players.

“Whenever he’s been around at practice, he’s always talking to young guys like Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. They’ve learnt a lot from him. If the opportunity would arise, I would jump at it.”

The South African superstar batsman announced his retirement right after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League and his future in the foreign domestic T20 leagues is also unclear at this point in time.