Ab De Villiers is open to making his return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a different role. The former RCB batsman had a long 11-year stint with them. Ab De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 and played for them till 2021. He announced his retirement from professional cricket after IPL 2021. Ab De Villiers has been to India after his retirement for commentary duties. He was also present in India for IPL 2025 final and celebrated with RCB after they won the title.
Notably, Ab De Villiers spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB. He started his IPL career with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for three seasons before joining the RCB in 2011.
Ab De Villiers record for RCB
Ab De Villiers, who shares a special bond with the RCB, scored 4,522 runs in 157 matches for them with an average of 41.10 and a blistering strike rate of 158.33. He also scored two centuries and 37 fifties for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Overall, Ab De Villiers scored 5,162 runs in 184 IPL matches at a strike rate of 151.68, with the help of 40 fifties and three centuries. Batting with a strike rate of 158.63, Ab De Villiers smashed 238 sixes and 362 fours.
The South African also holds a record for the highest partnership in IPL history after combining for a mammoth 229-run stand for the second wicket with Indian stalwart Virat Kohli against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in the 2016 season. That season, he made 687 runs and finished third on the runs chart.
The former RCB stalwart, who played 184 IPL matches across two franchises, scored 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68, including 40 fifties and three centuries. In 2022, Ab De Villiers was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame alongside Chris Gayle. He was also present during the IPL 2025 final when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on June 3, ending their 17-year wait for the coveted trophy.
Before joining RCB, he played for Delhi Capitals (then known as Delhi Daredevils) for three seasons. He scored a century for them.
De Villiers retired from international cricket in May 2018. He finished his career with 114 Test, 228 ODI and 78 T20I caps. He averaged above 50 in Tests and ODIs.
Former South African batter Ab De Villiers has given a major hint about a possible return to his beloved franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Former RCBian Ab De Villiers shows his willingness to return to IPL 2025 Champions RCB but in a different role
Former South African batting icon Ab De Villiers has hinted at a possible return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in a different capacity, expressing his desire for a coaching or mentoring role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the future. De Villiers spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB. The wicketkeeper-batter started his IPL career with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for three seasons before joining RCB in 2011.
The South African legend, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, said that a full-time professional commitment to the league is unlikely. However, his bond with RCB remains strong, and if the Bengaluru-based franchise feels there is a role for him to be associated with the team, he is ready.
“I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done. That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there’s a role for me (as a coach or mentor), when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB,” Ab De Villiers told IANS.
Ab De Villiers hasn’t donned coach’s or mentor’s hat since his retirement. It will be interesting to see if he decides to start his coaching journey with the Bengaluru-based franchise. Apart from doing commentary, Ab De Villiers also runs a YouTube channel.
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