De Villiers hints at IPL return as coach or mentor

South Africa legend AB de Villiers has said that he can return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). de Villiers started his journey in the cash-rich league in 2008 with

Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2008 but after three years in 2011, he became a vital member of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His stint with Bengaluru was until 2021, and during those 10 years, he racked up 4522 runs with two hundreds and 37 fifties in 145 innings of 157 matches. With these numbers, he is the second-highest run-scorer for Challengers.

Recently, de Villiers spoke with IANS and said he might struggle to be available for an entire IPL season as a full-time professional but if the IPL2025 champion side approach him for a role, he will look to deliver his services. “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. 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," said de Villiers.

AB de Villiers’ iconic moment with RCB

During his massive stint with RCB, AB de Villiers delivered several match-winning knocks to the team but a few moments became iconic. In May 2016, he stitched a colossal 229-run stand with Virat Kohli for the second wicket against Gujarat Lions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

It is the highest-ever partnership in the league and Challengers won that game by a huge margin of 144 runs. de Villiers became the Player of the Match (POTM) for his stunning contribution of an unbeaten 129 off just 52. In the match, the Protea brought his century in just 43 balls and it is still the third-fastest ton for RCB in IPL.