Watch: RCB legend AB de Villiers steals hearts with wheelchair cricket appearance in Mumbai

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers spent a memorable day in Mumbai as part of the “Project Mumbai” initiative. The cricketer participated in multiple community service activities and joined the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team for a practice session at Islam Gymkhana in Marine Lines.

Earlier this week, AB de Villiers arrived in India to support Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their IPL 2025 playoff campaign. RCB secured a spot in the final, set to take place on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the grand final clash, de Villiers spent time in Mumbai.

Watch: AB de Villiers Joins Wheelchair Cricket in Practice Session

AB de Villiers participated in the ‘Project Mumbai’ initiative and spent time with the city’s wheelchair cricket team at Islam Gymkhana in Marine Lines. The former South African cricketer joined the players on the field, even sitting in a wheelchair himself to bat and run between the wickets.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

His presence lifted spirits and brought smiles to everyone present. Spectators captured the inspiring moments on camera, celebrating de Villiers’ support for the inclusive game of wheelchair cricket.

Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:

VIDEO | Mumbai: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) plays with Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team during practice session at Islam Gymkhana, Marin Lines.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)#Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XdWm0x0vDJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 31, 2025

De Villiers took part in Project Mumbai’s SATRANG initiative, aimed at boosting civic pride through community involvement and public space improvement.

At a BMC-run school in Malabar Hill, he helped repaint classrooms. Later, he visited the CSSC Centre, where he joined underprivileged children in a paper bag-making session.

Mumbai Has Given Me So Much Love Over the Years - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers said that Mumbai has shown him immense love over the years. He shared that his aim during this visit was to give back as a volunteer by helping improve community spaces for children, families, and the city as a whole.

"Mumbai has given me so much love over the years. Today, I wanted to give back not as a cricketer, but as a volunteer. There's something truly powerful about working with others to make spaces better for children, for families, and for this incredible city," de Villiers said.

I Am Very Happy That RCB Is in the Final - AB de Villiers

De Villiers shared his excitement over Royal Challengers Bengaluru making it to the IPL 2025 final following their win against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The former cricketer said he is looking forward to the final and hopes his former team wins.

"I am very happy that RCB is in the final. Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good qualifier 2...I am very much looking forward to the finals and hopefully this will be the year for RCB," he stated.

#WATCH | Mumbai | On Royal Challengers Bengaluru progressing into the finals of IPL 2025, Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers says, "I am very happy that RCB is in the final. Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good qualifier 2...I am very much… pic.twitter.com/3yZ6Vf7Xyx

— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured their spot in the IPL final for the fourth time, their first since 2016. They lost to the Deccan Chargers in 2009 and the Chennai Super Kings (SRK) in 2011. RCB suffered a narrow eight-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016.

This year, RCB will take on the winner of the Qualifier 2 match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in the championship final scheduled for June 3.

Also read: Bharat Arun joins Sri Lanka Cricket for advanced pace-bowling program