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There is no doubt about AB De Villiers' affinity towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB), having represented the franchise from 2011 to 2021 but could never win a single title with them. RCB dominant eight-wicket win over the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on May 29, which helped them seal berth in IPL 2025 final for the first time since 2016, AB de Villiers made a bold prediction. De Villiers declared that RCB would end up lifting the coveted IPL 2025 title, finally ending their 18-year wait for the coveted title.
Virat told me I'm not allowed to say 'Ee Sala Cup Namde': AB De Villiers
De Villiers also shared an interesting anecdote, revealing that Virat Kohli, an RCB legend, has forbidden him from uttering the popular Kannada phrase, 'Ee Sala Cup Namde', which translates to 'This year the cup is ours'. Despite this playful ban, De Villiers remains steadfast in his belief that RCB will go all the way this season and put an end to their prolonged trophy drought.
"The time has come. RCB is going all the way. I'm not allowed to say the Bengaluru terms because Virat told me I'm not allowed to say that anymore. But I truly believe we are going all the way this season. So stay tuned, buckle up and enjoy the ride," de Villiers told ESPNCricinfo in his message for RCB fans following their stunning win over PBKS.
The South African legend also said that unlike previous seasons, there are multiple players who have stepped up to contribute in RCB's successful campaign this year.
"What excites me most this season is that multiple players are stepping up, not just one or two. It's not just the usual Virat Kohli or, back in the day, a Chris Gayle. Now, we see the whole squad responding under pressure," De Villiers added.
Talking about the match, RCB bowlers were on a mission as they ran riot on PBKS' batters and stifled them to a paltry 101 in 14.1 overs. This dominant bowling performance set the stage for RCB's chase.
RCB, a team that has yet to claim an IPL title despite reaching three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 since the league's inception in 2008, comfortably chased down the small target. Opener Phil Salt led the charge with a belligerent unbeaten fifty (56 runs off 27 balls), guiding his team to victory in just 10 overs. This near-perfect performance secured RCB's spot in the title clash, scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, PBKS, who made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014, will have another opportunity to reach the final in Qualifier 2, which will also be held in Ahmedabad on June 1.
For RCB, it was their lethal bowling attack which did the trick for them. Fast bowlers Yash Dayal (2 wickets for 26 runs), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1 wicket for 17 runs), and Josh Hazlewood (3 wickets for 21 runs) wreaked havoc in the powerplay, dismantling the formidable PBKS top order. Following their strong start, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma then swept through the middle order, claiming 3 wickets for just 17 runs.
RCB, who are still waiting for their opponent for the summit clash, will undoubtedly take the field as hot favourites in the IPL 2025 final on June 3
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