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AB de Villiers hints at a future role with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, expressing his lasting bond with the team.
Virat Kohli along with his former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle celebrates with the IPL trophy (Picture credit: AFP)
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has said that he might be involved in the Indian Premier League again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is beyond him at this point, adding that his heart will always be with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
De Villiers started his Indian Premier League journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008, spending three seasons there before moving to Bengaluru in 2011, where he went on to play the bulk of his career.
De Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, admitted that a full-time professional return is unlikely, but affirmed his strong bond with Bengaluru, adding that he is open to taking up a role with the team if the franchise wants him involved.
“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,” De Villiers said while speaking to IANS.
“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 added.
The former South Africa star piled up 4,522 runs in 157 games for Bengaluru, averaging 41.1 with a brilliant strike rate of 158.33.
De Villiers’ tally included two hundreds and 37 half-centuries, underlining his impact for the team.
De Villiers holds the record for the highest stand in Indian Premier League history, stitching a huge 229-run partnership with ace batter Virat Kohli for the second wicket against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016, a season where he scored 687 runs.
Across 184 Indian Premier League games for two teams, De Villiers amassed 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68, registering 40 half-centuries and three hundreds.
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