De Villiers could swing India’s way

News reports from Pretoria, De Villiers’ home town claimed that De Villiers is ‘all set’ to join the Indians in New Zealand to start his assignment.

But when The Indian Express spoke to De Villiers over the phone he denied the reports, but admitted that ‘talks were on with BCCI’.

‘‘Some Indian website put out this (him going to New Zealand) news leading to speculation even in South Africa. But the truth is I am still discussing with the BCCI and waiting for a reply from them (BCCI),’’ said De Villiers.

But it was apparent the wait is getting longer than expected as an ‘exasparated’ De Villiers told The Indian Express: ‘‘Can you do me a favour. Please ask Mr Dalmiya (BCCI president) or the BCCI to contact me urgently. I want to know the status.’’

De Villiers, 38, also claimed that the Indian coach John Wright is in ‘touch’ with him. ‘‘John (Wright) and I have been talking to each other. Even he is waiting for news from BCCI about me, but has been struggling to get in touch with Mr Dalmiya,’’ informed De Villiers.

On his part BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya when contacted evaded a direct reply and said: ‘‘Whenever we take a decision, we will get back you. But now it would be not fair on my part to say anything.’’

Without going into specifics of his role, De Villiers said that he is looking at India as only a ‘short-term’ appointment owing to his television and family commitmments. ‘‘Maybe I may just go to New Zealand. Nothing’s been finalised,’’ said De Villiers.

De Villiers has a weekly live television show ‘LBW’ which is telecast on a South African sports channel SuperSport.