"I am looking forward to returning to RCB next season" - AB de Villiers confirms his return in IPL 2023
AB de Villiers, one of the most accomplished players of the Indian Premier League, is reportedly returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore next season
AB de Villiers is reportedly returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore next seasonHe joined RCB in 2011 and played 11 incredible seasons for them after that. A few days back, Virat Kohli had hinted at de Villiers returning to RCB. The rumours have been confirmed by Villiers himself when he told the press that he misses IPL and wishes to return to his second home, Bangalore.
The role in which Villiers will join the club is not yet confirmed. He could either join as a consultant or a mentor, but one thing is sure he is not returning as a player. He is extremely excited to return to their home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he spent 11 crucial years of his life. In an interview with VUSport, de Villiers said, "To be honest, we haven't decided anything on it yet, but I will be around the IPL next year; I am missing it, don't know in which capacity yet. I have heard there might be some games in Bangalore next year, and I would like to visit my second home and watch the Chinnaswamy stadium's total capacity.
"I am looking forward to it."
The former South African captain left the team the same year when Kohli stepped down from captaincy. The 2022 season neither saw de Villier's incredible skills nor Kohli's captaincy. RCB would be extremely lucky to have him back. Virat Kohli, RCB's former captain, also feels the same way. He said he misses him and is excited to have him back in the club in any role. Kohli said he's good friends with Villiers, and they frequently text each other.
This terrific right-hander has scored 4522 runs in IPL in a total of 157 matches that he played over 12 years of his IPL career. In his interview with VUSport, he added, "I have heard a little bird tweeting, saying there might be some games in Bangalore. So I would love to return to my second hometown and watch the full capacity stadium there at the Chinnaswamy again. I would love to return; I am looking forward to it."
After an unsuccessful 2022 season for RCB, Villiers returning as a mentor or a consultant in the next season may be a good thing. It remains to be seen which role he ultimately takes up in the team.