AB de Villiers wrote an emotional letter as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year wait to lift an IPL trophy.
De Villiers played 14 seasons in the IPL, 11 of them for the Bangalore-based franchise. The right-handed batter retired from the IPL four years ago, but he could never forget the love and affection he received from RCB’s fans. He was present at the ground when RCB lifted the trophy for the first time.
He and Virat Kohli celebrated the moment together. Now, he has written a letter to his ‘RCB Family,’ reminiscing about his time as a player, appreciating the dedication of the fans, and reaffirming his strong bond with the franchise.
Here’s de Villiers’ letter:
Dear RCB Family,
Last night was something words will never fully do justice to. 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.
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, heartbreaks, 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 those wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined it this perfect.
The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes who never stopped working, and the fans who never stopped believing – it 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 that 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. 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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