“Many cancerous characters”: AB de Villiers reveals turmoil during his Delhi Daredevils IPL stint

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South Africa cricket legend AB de Villiers recently opened up about his challenging early years in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Reflecting on his stint from 2008 to 2010, De Villiers described the team environment as chaotic and toxic, marred by what he called “poisonous” and “cancerous” characters. Despite sharing the dressing room with some of his cricketing heroes, the overall experience left him with bittersweet memories and a feeling of not being fully supported by the franchise.

De Villiers’ time with Delhi was a unique blend of awe and disillusionment. On one hand, he had the rare opportunity to play alongside and learn from cricketing greats like Glenn McGrath and Daniel Vettori, players he had admired since his youth. He recounted how intimidating it was to face McGrath in international cricket and how surreal it felt to later share a dressing room with him, receiving personal encouragement from the legend himself. These moments remain some of the highlights of De Villiers’ career.

However, beneath the surface of this star-studded lineup, the team was in disarray. De Villiers refrained from naming individuals but did not hesitate to describe the presence of disruptive and toxic personalities that fractured team harmony. He said the Delhi Daredevils were “in shambles” during his tenure, with many “poisonous characters” undermining the squad’s cohesion and spirit. This toxic environment overshadowed the positives and made his three years with the franchise a difficult period despite the presence of many legends.

“I would hate to give you names. Burning people, you know. But the Delhi Daredevils were in shambles. I mean, it was. There were lots of poisonous characters on that side. Lots of legends. So, it’s such a bittersweet moment for me because I speak… I remember it fondly. And some of the highlights of my life and career were there, spending time with Glenn McGrath and Daniel Vettori,” De Villiers told  cricket.com

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While De Villiers cherishes the moments spent with his heroes, he also expressed disappointment at not receiving the backing he believed he deserved from the Delhi franchise. The combination of internal strife and lack of support contributed to an underwhelming experience that contrasted sharply with his later success at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After moving to RCB in 2011, De Villiers flourished and became one of the IPL’s most iconic players, celebrated for his innovative batting and leadership.

De Villiers’ candid revelations shed light on the darker side of a team that boasted big names but struggled with internal issues. His reflections underscore how team dynamics and culture can profoundly impact players’ careers and morale. Despite the challenges, De Villiers holds onto the fond memories of playing alongside legends, even as he acknowledges the “cancerous” elements that made his Delhi Daredevils stint a complex chapter in his illustrious career.

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