AB de Villiers, the iconic South African batter, spent 14 memorable years lighting up the Indian Premier League. For 11 of those seasons, he wore the red jersey of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, becoming not just a stalwart of the side but also one of the most adored figures in the league. Twice during his tenure, RCB came heartbreakingly close to winning their first IPL title but the dream remained elusive. When AB de Villiers retired from the IPL in 2021, he bowed out with one major regret — not being able to lift the trophy with RCB.
That long-standing dream was finally realised in 2025. Although no longer an active player, AB de Villiers was present at the stadium to witness the historic moment as RCB clinched their maiden IPL title with a win over Punjab Kings in the final. It was a scene filled with emotion, particularly when his longtime teammate and close friend Virat Kohli, stationed at long-off, teared up as the final ball confirmed their triumph.
As celebrations erupted, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt hug on the field, a symbol of brotherhood and shared legacy. The two even lifted the trophy together, marking a fairy-tale ending to years of effort, heartbreak and hope.
Now 41, AB de Villiers has written a moving letter addressed to his “RCB Family”, reminiscing about his time as a player, saluting the unwavering fanbase of the franchise and expressing his deep affection for the team. “I will forever be a part of this family,” he expressed in his message, filled with pride and nostalgia. Though he wrote this letter on 4 June but he shared it pretty late.
Here is the letter written by AB de Villiers:
“Dear RCB Family, last night was something words will never fully do justice to you. But I’ll try because the heart deserves to speak when it’s full. 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 jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home.
Somehow, even in the West of India, it felt like we were back at the Chinnaswamy. What I witnessed was not just a cricket match but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heart breaks, near misses, miracles and an undying loyalty that no trophy until now had been able to reward.
But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are champions of the IPL. It feels good to say that it was a moment I had dreamed of. But even in this wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined it this perfect. The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes should never stop working. The fans should never stop believing all came together like never before. That’s what made this so much more than just a victory. And then, as if the night hadn’t already stirred every emotion, there was Virat standing at long-off right in front of me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We didn’t need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we both carried for this dream.
There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing. We’ve shared countless innings, conversations and battles together. But the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the connections. It’s about what we leave behind in each other’s stories. To see players like Rajat, Devdutt and even some of the newer faces who were just youngsters when I played, now stepping up on the biggest stage, it was surreal. I’ve seen their raw potential, their hunger in the nets, their excitement just to share a dressing room, and now they’ve turned that promise into history and I couldn’t be prouder.
To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever loyal fans, and to every single player who’s worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn’t out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be. This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life – seeing the team I love finally lift that trophy with all my love, pride and gratitude,
Your Mr. 360”
https://x.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1932885176474018223
They have indeed waited very long for this trophy.
