RCB in IPL 2025 final? AB de Villiers pledges India visit to lift the trophy with Virat Kohli

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In a significant morale booster for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) amidst their ongoing quest for the IPL 2025 title, franchise legend AB de Villiers has publicly expressed his unwavering belief that the ‘Men in Red and Black’ can finally clinch the coveted trophy this season. The South African maestro’s comments have sent a wave of excitement through the RCB fan base, who have yearned for a maiden IPL triumph for over a decade.

De Villiers, affectionately known as ‘Mr. 360’, didn’t stop at just backing the team. In a heartfelt statement that has resonated deeply with fans, he vowed to be present at the IPL 2025 final in India should RCB make it to the grand stage. Adding an emotional layer to his promise, De Villiers also expressed his profound desire to lift the IPL trophy alongside his long-time friend and former teammate, Virat Kohli.

“If RCB makes it to the final, I’ll be there at the stadium. Nothing will give me more pleasure than to lift that trophy with Virat Kohli. I’ve tried that for many, many years,” De Villiers remarked, his words encapsulating years of shared dreams and near misses with the Bengaluru franchise. This pledge underscores the deep personal connection he still holds with RCB and its enduring pursuit of IPL glory.

“nothing will give me more pleasure than to lift that trophy with virat” ❤️

— sir jacob bethell 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@bet_helll) May 17, 2025

Beyond his current support, De Villiers also offered a candid insight into his initial impressions of Virat, revealing a surprising reaction from when they first encountered each other on the cricket field. The former Proteas captain admitted that Kohli’s intense competitive spirit initially led to a sense of dislike.

“Virat is like one of my cricketing brothers, someone I really grew fond of when I got to know him better. He’s an absolute pain to play against, so before I knew him I didn’t really like him a lot because he was so good and so competitive, very similar to me with that competitive nature,” De Villiers elaborated. This revelation paints a vivid picture of the fiery temperament that both cricketing giants shared, which later blossomed into one of cricket’s most admired friendships.

The formidable partnership between ABD and Kohli defined an era for RCB. The duo graced the IPL together for the Bengaluru-based franchise from 2011 until 2021, when De Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Their on-field camaraderie and breathtaking batting displays created countless memorable moments, etching their names into the annals of IPL history. Their record-breaking stands and complementary styles of play made them one of the most feared batting pairs in the league.

As the current IPL 2025 season progresses, De Villiers words will undoubtedly fuel the hopes of millions of RCB fans, who dream of witnessing their beloved team, perhaps with their former star, finally lifting that elusive trophy.