AB de Villiers announces his IPL return for RCB

Published - 04 Sep 2025, 11:59 AM | Updated - 04 Sep 2025, 01:04 PM

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The whispers around AB de Villiers’ return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) have just grown louder, and this time, the South African icon has himself dropped a major hint. AB de Villiers has already made it clear that he won’t return to the IPL as a player, but didn’t entirely deny his comeback.

A loyal servant of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who has been adored by the fans for his magical strokeplay and commitment to the franchise over the years, has recently revealed that he is open to taking up the role of a mentor or coach in the IPL.

My heart is with RCB: AB de Villiers

However, the former Proteas captain has made it clear that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remains closest to his heart and he can’t imagine working elsewhere. Mr. 360 confirmed that if he returns to IPL as a coach or mentor, it will only be for RCB.

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AB de Villiers said on News 24 Sports, “Look, you never say never, and you can't commit to anything right now, but my heart is with RCB; it will always be. So, if there is any kind of role for me to play in an IPL franchise, when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB in my heart.”

AB de Villiers to Vaibhav Bhola via News 24 Sports:

"MY HEART IS WITH RCB & IN FUTURE I WILL ONLY WORK WITH THEM" pic.twitter.com/vrKNYkFELU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 3, 2025

AB de Villiers’ IPL story in numbers

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers’ IPL story is remembered most for his years with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he became one of the biggest icons of the franchise. Out of ABD’s nearly 180 matches in the IPL, 157 games came in RCB colours, and he made a legacy.

The legendary South African batter scored over 4,500 runs at an astonishing strike rate of around 160, along with two memorable centuries and more than 30 fifties to his name.

Across his entire IPL journey, De Villiers scored more than 5,000 runs with the help of three centuries and 40 half-centuries, but it was his fearlessness, audacity, innovation, and pure entertainment that made him one of the most loved and entertaining overseas players in the history of the IPL.

RCB Director issues heartfelt message on tragic Bengaluru stampede

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has made an emotional apology to the fans in the wake of the Bengaluru stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the team’s IPL 2025 title win celebration in Bengaluru on June 4.

Bobat expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families affected. He emphasized that the tragedy will remain an unforgettable part of the franchise’s journey but urged the RCB family to stay united during this difficult time.

Mo Bobat said in his statement, “The loss of lives is incredibly sad. We’re gutted. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people affected. If there’s one thing this franchise has done over the years, it’s pull together, through good times and bad. We must pull together even tighter now and show care for our fellow RCBians. The tragedy is a painful chapter carved into the walls of our story and our identity. We will remember forever.”

“The loss of lives is incredibly sad. We’re gutted. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people affected. If there’s one thing this franchise has done over the years, it’s pull together, through good times and bad. We must pull together even tighter now and show care for… pic.twitter.com/AObwPXPoJm
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 4, 2025