South African legend AB de Villiers has once again given fans a thrill to think about a comeback to the Indian Premier League. Although he ruled out playing once again, he hinted that he could have a different role in the IPL in future.
AB de Villiers and His IPL Journey
De Villiers started playing in IPL with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008. He then transferred to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011 where he became one of the greatest icons of the franchise.
The prolific batsman enjoyed a 10-year spell thrilling the audience with his match-turning performances and was the embodiment of consistency and creativity in Bengaluru. His retirement in 2021 marked the end of an era but he remained close to the franchise.
RCB Always Close to His Heart
Commenting on a possible comeback, De Villiers said that he could no longer make a full professional season commitment. “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,” he told IANS.
He stressed that RCB would never be far away. “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,” he added.
These utterances have raised speculation that the Bengaluru franchise is capable of reinstating him as a coach or mentor, maybe when they win their maiden IPL trophy.
AB de Villiers’ Records With RCB
De Villiers is also the run-getter in Royal Challengers Bengaluru where he scored 4,522 runs in 157 matches. He had a superb strike rate of 158.33 with an average of 41.1.
He has scored two centuries and 37 half-centuries in his total tally with the franchise, which depicts his significance in the batting order of Bengaluru. Not many foreign players have made such a steady and long term influence in one IPL team.
His best is the 229-run partnership that he scored with Virat Kohli against Gujarat Lions in 2016. The same year he scored 687 runs emphasizing his excellent performance with the bat.
IPL Legacy Beyond Bengaluru
De Villiers has made 184 appearances in the whole of the IPL in Delhi and Bengaluru and has accumulated 5,162 runs. The strike rate of 151.68 makes him one of the most devastating batters in the tournament history.
The South African great has made 3 centuries and 45 fifties and has been one of the most entertaining players of the IPL. His mystique has not worn out in retirement and a comeback in a different form can only enhance the legacy of Bengaluru.
AB de Villiers may never hold the bat in the IPL in a RCB jersey but the name of the South African is synonymous with the franchise. As a mentor or a guiding hand, fans are not sure yet that his story with the franchise might be not over.
