AB de Villiers releases an official note for RCB after IPL win and stampede

Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers penned an emotional letter on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden title win in IPL 2025. De Villiers said that it was an unforgettable night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, adding that it felt like a home game due to the presence of RCB supporters.

AB de Villiers played in the Indian Premier League for 14 seasons, including 11 years with RCB. During his tenure with RCB, the team came close to winning the title on two occasions but fell short. He retired from the IPL after the 2021 season, ending his career without lifting the trophy with the franchise.

AB de Villiers Witnessed RCB Secure Maiden IPL Title in Ahmedabad

After a four-year absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, AB de Villiers witnessed the team secure their maiden IPL title. He watched from the stands as RCB clinched victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 final.

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The emotional triumph led to a heartfelt celebration between de Villiers and Virat Kohli. The former cricketer and Kohli embraced warmly and later lifted the trophy together — a special moment in the franchise’s history.

The 41-year-old has now penned an emotional letter to the RCB community. He opened up about his journey with the team, expressed deep gratitude to its devoted supporters, and reaffirmed his enduring bond with the RCB family.

Words Will Never Fully Do Justice - AB de Villiers Pens Emotional Letter

In a video posted on social media, the former RCB star said that words couldn’t fully do justice to the moment. De Villiers recalled that the sea of red jerseys, flags, and passionate chants made it feel like RCB was playing at home.

"Dear RCB Family, the last night was something that words will never fully do justice to- but I'll try, because the heart deserves to speak when it's full," de Villiers said in a video on social media.

"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 jersey, flags, faces painted with red and gold i knew this was home," he added.

RCB, the Team That Became Family to Me - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL triumph, calling it a dream come true. De Villiers added that RCB had become like family to him. He admitted that while he had often imagined this moment, the reality surpassed even his wildest dreams.

"RCB the team that became family to me are now champions of IPL. Wow feels good to say that. It was a moment that I had dreamt of but even in those wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined it this perfectly. The foundation of the franchise, the leadership, the passion the people behind the scenes who never stop working, the fans who never stop believing all came together like never before. That's what made this so much more than a victory."

A Letter to the RCB Family 💌

Written on 4 June 2025
En-route from Ahmedabad to Johannesburg, SA ✈️ #RCB pic.twitter.com/UmtVh3FxDD

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 11, 2025

Also read: Watch: Usman Khawaja hits historic low with 20-ball duck as Kagiso Rabada shines in WTC Final