‘We didn't need words': AB de Villiers pens heartfelt note of RCB, Virat Kohli and fans
Bonafide Royal Challengers Bengaluru and South Africa legend AB de Villiers played for the franchise for 11 years but never lifted the Indian Premier League trophy till the day he left them. But on June 3, he got the opportunity to get his hands on the coveted trophy after Virat Kohli invited him to take part in RCB's victory celebrations after the franchise finally won their maiden title after a long wait.
The Protea icon on Thursday shared an emotional love letter to the fans and the franchise on his social media, detailing what it means for him, the team and Kohli to finally lift the elusive trophy.
'Dear RCB Family, last night was something words will never fully do justice to you. But I'll try because the heart deserves to speak when it's full. 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 jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home,' he said.
A Letter to the RCB Family 💌
Written on 4 June 2025 En-route from Ahmedabad to Johannesburg, SA ✈️ #RCB pic.twitter.com/UmtVh3FxDD
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 11, 2025
'Somehow, even in the West of India, it felt like we were back at the Chinnaswamy. What I witnessed was not just a cricket match but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heart breaks, near misses, miracles and an undying loyalty that no trophy until now had been able to reward.'
'But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are champions of the IPL. It feels good to say that it was a moment I had dreamed of. But even in these wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined it. This perfect. The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes should never stop working. The fans should never stop believing all came together like never before. That's what made this so much more than just a victory. And then, as if the night hadn't already stirred every emotion, there was Virat standing at long-off right in front of me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We didn't need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we both carried for this dream.'
'There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing. We've shared countless innings, conversations and battles together. But the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me it's not about the numbers, it's about the connections. It's about what we leave behind in each other's stories. To see players like Rajat, Devdutt and even some of the newer faces who were just youngsters when I played, now stepping up on the biggest stage, it was surreal. I've seen their raw potential, their hunger in the nets, their excitement just to share a dressing room, and now they've turned that promise into history and I couldn't be prouder.'
'To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever-loyal fans, and to every single player who's worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn't out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be. This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life – seeing the team I love finally lift that trophy with all my love, pride and gratitude, Your Mr. 360,'
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