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"Might Be Involved With The IPL...": AB De Villiers Breaks Silence On Possible RCB Comeback

Rajgeeta Yadav

AB de Villiers on IPL comeback [Source: AFP]AB de Villiers on IPL comeback [Source: AFP]

AB de Villiers shocked everyone when he retired from the IPL in 2021. Many expected him to continue playing T20 cricket since he had already quit international cricket three years earlier, but after 14 seasons, he decided to call it a day.

Now, the South Africa legend is thinking about coming back to the IPL, not to play, but in a different role. Speaking recently, De Villiers said he would love to return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team where he spent most of his IPL career, as a coach or mentor.

Notably, De Villiers started his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and joined RCB in 2011. Over the next 11 years, he became one of the team’s biggest stars and a fan favorite. 

He scored more than 4,500 runs for RCB, including two centuries and 37 half-centuries, and formed unforgettable partnerships with Virat Kohli. One of their biggest moments was a record-breaking 229-run stand in 2016.

AB de Villiers Shut Down IPL Comeback Rumours As A Player

Although De Villiers says he can’t commit to playing or even taking on a full-time professional role anymore, his connection to RCB is strong.

"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," de Villiers told IANS.

It is worth mentioning that De Villiers was at the IPL 2025 final when RCB finally lifted their first-ever title, defeating Punjab Kings. Though he and fellow RCB legend Chris Gayle never won the IPL themselves, they remain two of the most loved players in the league’s history.