Family, Fans, and Victory: AB de Villiers Paid An Emotional Tribute To RCB

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers wrote an emotional letter after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first IPL title in 2025. He said the night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was unforgettable and felt like a home match because so many RCB fans were there.
AB de Villiers played 14 IPL seasons, including 11 with RCB. The team came close to winning twice, but never did during his time. He retired in 2021 without a title.
AB de Villiers Paid An Emotional Tribute To RCB
After four years away from RCB, AB de Villiers watched from the stands as the team won their first IPL title by beating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final. He shared an emotional hug with Virat Kohli, and the two lifted the trophy together, marking a special moment for the team.
The 41-year-old wrote an emotional letter to the RCB fans, thanking them and sharing his strong connection with the team. In a video, he said words couldn’t describe the moment and remembered how the crowd made it feel like a home game.
“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.
AB de Villiers celebrated RCB’s long-awaited IPL win, calling it a dream come true. He said the team felt like family to him and that the real moment was even better than he had imagined.
“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.”
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Earlier after RCB’s historic win, Virat Kohli also took to his social media and paid a heartfelt story for his friend – AB de Villiers. Virat shared a picture of himself with ABDV, both holding the prestigious trophy. Sharing the image Virat wrote “Equally yours Biscotti….”
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