{ "id": "176328", "author": "23", "cnmid": "1122297", "title": "AB de Villiers Hints at IPL Return as Coach or Mentor with Royal Challengers Bengaluru", "lang": "en", "series": "1", "cup_year": "2025", "article_type": "General", "excerpt": "AB de Villiers has dropped a major hint about a possible return to the IPL in a different capacity, expressing his desire for a coaching or mentoring role with RCB in the future.", "subtype": null, "editor1": "

Former South African batting icon AB de Villiers<\/strong> has dropped a major hint about a possible return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in a different capacity, expressing his desire for a coaching or mentoring role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

De Villiers spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB. The wicketkeeper-batter started his IPL career with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for three seasons before joining the RCB in 2011.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The South African legend, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, said that while a full-time professional commitment to the league is unlikely. But, his bond with RCB remains strong and if the Bengaluru-based franchise feels there is role for him to be associated with the team, he is ready.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

“I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done. That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there’s a role for me (as a coach or mentor), when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB,” de Villiers told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The former RCB stalwart smashed 4,522 runs from the 157 matches that he played for RCB. His average of 41.10 and a blistering strike rate of 158.33 were simply beyond words. He also scored two centuries and 37 fifties for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The South African also holds a record for the highest partnership in IPL history after combining for a mammoth 229-run stand for the second wicket with the India stalwart Virat Kohli against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in the 2016 season, when he made 687 runs and finished third on the runs chart.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The former RCB stalwart smashed 4,522 runs from the 157 matches that he played for RCB. His average of 41.10 and a blistering strike rate of 158.33 were simply beyond words. He also scored two centuries and 37 fifties for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Also Read: <\/strong> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/h5>\r\n\r\n

In 2022, De Villiers was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame alongside Chris Gayle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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