De Villiers Considers Future IPL Involvement in Coaching Role

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has suggested he might return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), potentially taking on a coaching or mentoring position with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He expressed interest in rejoining the team in the future in a non-playing capacity.

De Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket back in 2021, mentioned he wouldn’t commit to a full professional season. However, he emphasized that his connection with RCB remains strong.

Having played for the franchise for over ten years, he stated he would be open to rejoining the team if the management believed he could contribute.

“I might be involved with the IPL again down the road in a different capacity, but committing to an entire season professionally is quite challenging, and I think those days are behind me. Nevertheless, never say never. RCB holds a special place in my heart and always will. So, should the franchise see a role for me, when the timing is right, it will definitely be with RCB,” de Villiers stated.

The 40-year-old is still a celebrated figure in IPL history, especially among RCB supporters. After starting his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008, de Villiers moved to RCB in 2011 and participated in 157 matches for the franchise.

He accumulated 4,522 runs at an average of 41.10 and a striking strike rate of 158.33, including a pair of centuries and 37 half-centuries.

A particularly memorable moment occurred in 2016 when he and Virat Kohli achieved a record 229-run partnership against Gujarat Lions, which remains the highest ever for the second wicket in IPL history.

During that season, de Villiers amassed 687 runs, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

In total, de Villiers played in 184 IPL matches across two franchises, scoring 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68, including three centuries and 40 fifties. In 2022, he was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame alongside fellow T20 star Chris Gayle.