AB de Villiers promises to 'be there' if RCB makes it to IPL 2025 final

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru looked unstoppable in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League before an unprecedented suspension disrupted their momentum. Before the IPL 2025 halt, RCB were placed second on the points table, eyeing a Top 2 finish. Now, with the India-Pakistan conflict having reached a ceasefire, IPL 2025 is set to resume with the RCB vs KKR fixture at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. While rain threatens to wash out the match in Bengaluru, RCB remain in a strong position to secure a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Meanwhile, as the team aims to carry their dominant form into the resumed phase, former RCB star AB de Villiers has made a heartwarming promise.

AB de Villiers promises a visit to India if RCB makes it into the IPL 2025 final

Ahead of the RCB vs KKR fixture that kicks off the IPL 2025 resumption, RCB icon and former South African batter AB de Villiers expressed his intent to return to India if the team reaches the final. De Villiers, who played for RCB for more than a decade, stated that he would love to be present in person to potentially witness the team, alongside his longtime friend Virat Kohli, lift the coveted title. The IPL 2025 playoffs are set to kick off on May 29, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator scheduled for May 29 and 30, respectively. Qualifier 2 will be held on June 1, while the grand finale is slated for June 3. The BCCI has yet to confirm the venues for these matches.

“Mark my words, if RCB makes it to the final, I will be there at the stadium with the boys. Nothing will give me more pleasure than to lift that trophy with Virat Kohli. I've tried that for many many years,” said de Villiers recently.

De Villiers was part of RCB from 2011 to 2021, sharing some unforgettable partnerships with Virat Kohli. During his time, the team boasted one of the most feared batting lineups in IPL history, featuring Kohli, Chris Gayle, and himself. Despite numerous attempts, de Villiers never got his hands on the trophy, a fact that makes him even more eager to see RCB triumph this year.

Throughout his 13-season IPL career, de Villiers played for only two franchises, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and RCB. He amassed 5162 runs across 184 matches (170 innings), averaging 39.70 at a blistering strike rate of 151.68. His tally includes three centuries and 40 half-centuries. Alongside Kohli, he holds the record for the most runs by a batting pair in IPL history, accumulating 3123 runs in 76 innings together, including 10 partnerships of 100+ runs. As it stands, RCB occupy second place in the points table with three league matches left, one each against KKR, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants.