Former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore batter AB de Villiers presence was highly missed in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. It was a heart breaking moment for all the cricket and majorly the RCB fans when the legendary cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. It was really very hard to believe that Mr. 360 won’t be there on the cricket field. de Villiers is not only among the finest cricketers of all time across formats but also regarded as the best batter in the 15-year-old history of the IPL by many cricket lovers.
Amidst all these, there were speculations of de Villiers returning back to RCB in IPL 2023. The batter has now broken silence on it. He has confirmed that he will be back in the franchise for the upcoming IPL season, but on what capacity is yet not decided.
AB de Villiers shared a post on his Twitter handle on November 3, and said that he has checked into Bengaluru’s hotel where he used to say with the IPL franchise during his Indian Premier League days. This tweet of his has made fans curious about his return to the team again.
“Just checked in to the ITC Royal Gardenia for the first time in many years! So many great memories flowing back. Also been told this is my 25th time checking in here Tele is on and ready for the Pak/SA game. Go Proteas,” he wrote.
Just checked in to the ITC Royal Gardenia for the first time in many years! So many great memories flowing back. Also been told this is my 25th time checking in here😄
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 3, 2022
Tele is on and ready for the Pak/SA game. Go Proteas
For unversed, earlier during the IPL 2022, ex-RCB skipper Virat Kohli had hinted about De Villiers returning to RCB next year. Reacting to Kohli’s statement, De Villiers quoted to VUSport, “I am glad that Virat’s confirmed it.”
“To be honest, we haven’t decided anything on it yet but I will be around the IPL next year, I am missing it, don’t know in which capacity yet. I have heard that there might be some games in Bangalore next year. I would like to visit my second home and watch the full-capacity Chinnaswamy stadium – I am looking forward to it,” AB de Villiers added.
Although it is still unsure about what role De Villiers would be coming at RCB, it is likely that he won’t be returning as a player next year.
After a three-season stint with Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) from 2008 to 2010; de Villiers was part of RCB for a long period of 11 seasons. After being purchased by the Bengaluru-based franchise in 2011, he stayed with them till the end of the 2021 season. Their association came to an end when the legendary cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket ahead of the 2022 mega-auction.
Virat Kohli and de Villiers became great friends after spending so many years playing for RCB in IPL. It seems Kohli and him will be reunited with return to de Villiers in the side. However, we don’t know in what role is de Villiers is taking up this time. De Villiers is a cricket legend, surely an IPL legend and his presence is certainly going to lift the RCB dressing room. Batters will benefit for his wealth of experience.
