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First-ever IPL trophy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that too after a long wait of 18 years, meant the whole world for the franchise's old guard AB De Villiers. Batting maestro AB de Villiers dedicated 14 illustrious years to the Indian Premier League, with 11 of those spent adorned in the iconic red and gold of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During his tenure with the RCB, the franchise twice came tantalizingly close to clinching their maiden IPL title. The South African cricketing legend eventually retired from the IPL after the 2021 season, leaving his aspiration of lifting the coveted trophy unfulfilled.
AB De Villiers' love letter for RCB
However, four years after his last appearance for RCB, that long-cherished dream finally materialized. And AB de Villiers himself was present to witness his beloved team break their prolonged trophy drought. His close friend and former teammate, Virat Kohli, who was fielding at long-off, was overcome with emotion as RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, etching their name as the newest champions of the T20 tournament.
De Villiers joined in the jubilant celebrations, sharing a heartfelt embrace with Kohli and later proudly holding the IPL trophy alongside him.
Recently, the 41-year-old shared an emotional message addressed to his 'RCB Family,' fondly recalling his playing days with the franchise, celebrating the unwavering support of the loyal fans, and reaffirming his enduring affection for the team.
"Dear RCB Family, last night was something words will never fully do justice to you. But I’ll try because the heart deserves to speak when it’s full. As I walked into the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the sun had already dipped below the skyline, but it felt like the red of RCB still lit up the horizon. A neutral venue, they said. But when I heard the roar, saw the jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home.
"Somehow, even in the West of India, it felt like we were back at the Chinnaswamy. What I witnessed was not just a cricket match but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heart breaks, near misses, miracles and an undying loyalty that no trophy until now had been able to reward. But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are champions of the IPL. It feels good to say that it was a moment I had dreamed of. But even in this wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined it. This perfect. The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes should never stop working. The fans should never stop believing all came together like never before. That’s what made this so much more than just a victory. And then, as if the night hadn’t already stirred every emotion, there was Virat standing at long-off right in front of me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We didn’t need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we both carried for this dream.
"There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing. We’ve shared countless innings, conversations and battles together. But the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the connections. It’s about what we leave behind in each other’s stories. To see players like Rajat, Devdutt and even some of the newer faces who were just youngsters when I played, now stepping up on the biggest stage, it was surreal. I’ve seen their raw potential, their hunger in the nets, their excitement just to share a dressing room, and now they’ve turned that promise into history and I couldn’t be prouder.
"To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever loyal fans, and to every single player who’s worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn’t out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be. This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life – seeing the team I love finally lift that trophy with all my love, pride and gratitude,
"Your Mr. 360," De Villiers' post concluded.
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