AB de Villiers Celebrates RCB's Historic IPL Victory with Heartfelt Letter
AB de Villiers' Emotional Tribute to RCB
New Delhi, June 12: Renowned South African cricketer AB de Villiers expressed his heartfelt sentiments in a letter addressed to his former team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), following their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) championship. His message highlighted the strong bond he shares with the franchise, its star player Virat Kohli, and several emerging talents like captain Rajat Patidar, even after his retirement from cricket.
De Villiers was present at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, a landmark occasion in IPL history, as RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings (PBKS) to end an 18-year trophy drought.
He shared his letter on Instagram, where he stands as RCB's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 4,522 runs across 157 matches and 145 innings, with an average of 41.10, including two centuries and 37 half-centuries, at an impressive strike rate of 158.33.
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In his heartfelt letter, he began, “Dear RCB family, last night was an experience that words can hardly capture, but I will attempt to express it, as the heart must speak when it is full. Upon entering the Narendra Modi Stadium, the sun had set, yet the vibrant red of RCB illuminated the surroundings. Although it was labeled a neutral venue, the cheers, jerseys, flags, and painted faces made it feel like home.”
De Villiers remarked that even in Western India, the atmosphere felt akin to their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
“What I witnessed was more than just a cricket match; it was a culmination of belief, heartbreaks, near misses, miracles, and unwavering loyalty that had gone unrewarded until now. But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are the IPL champions. It feels incredible to say that,” he expressed.
The former batter shared that he had envisioned this moment but never anticipated it would unfold so perfectly, with fans, leadership, and behind-the-scenes efforts converging like never before.
“That is what made this victory so much more meaningful,” he added.
De Villiers also recounted a brief yet profound exchange of glances with Virat, stating, “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 silent exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the burden we both carried for this dream. There were tears, yes, but more importantly, there was a deep, unspoken understanding.”
“We have shared countless innings, conversations, and battles together, but the words he spoke after the game, acknowledging our journey and shared memories, touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me that it’s not about the numbers.”
De Villiers expressed his joy in seeing skipper Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal, who began their IPL careers during his final years with the team, shine on such a grand stage, calling it “surreal.”
“I have witnessed their raw potential, their eagerness in the nets, and their excitement to share a dressing room, and now they have transformed that promise into history, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he stated.
“To the RCB management, coaching staff, loyal fans, and every player who has donned this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn’t out there batting last night, a piece of my heart will always be with you,” he concluded.
“This title holds greater significance because of the journey that preceded it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life—witnessing the team I love finally lift their trophy. With all my love, pride, and gratitude, you Mr. 360,” he finished.
Regarding the match, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) made crucial breakthroughs, while Yuzi Chahal (1/37) also restricted the batters. Virat (43 off 35 balls, with three fours) attempted to stabilize the innings, while skipper Rajat Patidar (26 off 16 balls, with a four and two sixes), Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10 balls, with two fours and two sixes), and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15 balls, with two fours) contributed to RCB's total of 190/9 in 20 overs.
In response, PBKS started strong with Priyansh Arya (24 off 19 balls, with four boundaries) and Prabhsimran (26 off 22 balls, with two sixes) forming a 43-run partnership. Josh Inglis (39 off 23 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Shashank Singh (61* off 30 balls, with three fours and six sixes) fought hard to keep up with the required run rate, but Krunal Pandya (2/17), Yash Dayal (1/18), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) delivered excellent bowling performances, limiting PBKS to 184/7, despite Shashank's explosive 22 runs in the final over while chasing 29.
Krunal Pandya was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding bowling display. The title drought continues for PBKS, who reached their second IPL final and their first in 11 years.