AB de Villiers officially declares himself ready to coach RCB in IPL 2026

Former South African batsman AB de Villiers has made a significant statement about his return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. De Villiers expressed his desire to mentor or coach the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the future, having spent most of his IPL career with the franchise.

AB de Villiers started his IPL career with Delhi Capitals in the inaugural edition of the tournament. He played three seasons (2008-2010) for the franchise. The batter played 28 matches and scored 671 runs at an average of 31.95 and a strike rate of 117.31, including one century and three half-centuries.

AB de Villiers Picked By Royal Challengers Bengaluru Ahead of IPL 2021

AB de Villiers was picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2021. He scored 4,491 runs for RCB in 156 matches at an impressive average of 41.20 and a strike rate of 158.64, including two centuries and 37 half-centuries.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

The right-handed batter’s standout IPL season came in 2016, when he amassed 687 runs and finished third on the tournament’s batting charts. He also shared a record 229-run second-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli against the Gujarat Lions.

Overall, de Villiers scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches across two franchises at a strike rate of 151.68, including three centuries and 40 fifties. RCB honoured him by inducting him into their Hall of Fame alongside Chris Gayle in 2022.

My Heart Is With RCB and Always Will Be - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, said he is unlikely to return to the IPL with a full-time commitment. However, he added that he would be open to joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a coaching or mentoring capacity.

"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," de Villiers told IANS.

RCB Ended an 18-Year Wait and Clinched Maiden IPL Title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke their 18-year jinx by winning their first-ever IPL title in 2025. The franchise had been among the most talked-about teams but failed to secure the title till IPL 2024.

They had reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but failed to lift the trophy. They have been one of the most consistent teams since 2020.

Rajat Patidar was appointed captain ahead of the campaign. Bengaluru dominated throughout the league phase, finishing second with nine wins and 19 points from 14 matches. They defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the first qualifier with an eight-wicket victory to secure a place in the final.

RCB met PBKS once again in the title clash and held their nerve in a thrilling contest. They sealed a six-run win to be crowned champions. Patidar etched his name in history as the first captain to guide the franchise to IPL glory, bringing an end to nearly two decades of waiting for their fans.

Also read: Dream11's replacement for India Title Sponsorship Received