AB de Villiers coming to lift IPL 2025 trophy? Batter promises

After a one-week suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the cash-rich tournament is back! Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 17).

The men in red and gold have been on a dream run and are just one win away from securing a spot in the Playoffs. Chasing their maiden IPL title in the men's league, RCB will aim to seal a place in the Top 4 and push towards the final in hopes of finally lifting the trophy. 

AB de Villiers' connection with RCB

Ahead of the high-stakes clash, former South African batter and RCB legend AB de Villiers made a heartfelt promise to fans — he'll fly to India if RCB reach the IPL 2025 final.

De Villiers, who represented RCB from 2011 to 2021, formed one of the most formidable top orders in IPL history alongside Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle. 

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But for RCB to make it to the final, they must first navigate the Playoffs. The Playoffs are set to begin on May 29, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator scheduled for May 29 and 30, respectively. Qualifier 2 will be played on June 1, followed by the grand finale on June 3. The venues for the playoff matches are yet to be announced.

AB de Villiers coming to lift IPL 2025 trophy?

Reflecting on RCB's current form and his deep bond with Kohli, de Villiers said he's ready to be there for the moment he's waited for. "Mark my words, if RCB makes it to the final, I will be there at the stadium with the boys. Nothing will give me more pleasure than to lift that trophy with Virat Kohli. I've tried that for many, many years," de Villiers shared during an Instagram Live session. 

🚨 ABD IS COMING TO INDIA. 🚨

AB De Villiers said, "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 (smiles)". pic.twitter.com/XSR5EmpaJv

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 17, 2025

Over his 13-year IPL career, de Villiers played for just two franchises — Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and RCB. He amassed 5,162 runs in 184 matches at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68, including three centuries and 40 fifties. 

AB de Villiers' tribute to Virat Kohli

In a move that shocked fans around the world, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this week. Over the course of 123 matches, the former India captain amassed 9,230 runs at a stellar average of 46.85. With 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name, Kohli's red-ball career has firmly etched his name among the greatest to ever play the game. 

As tributes poured in from around the world, AB de Villiers offered a heartfelt reflection on his unique bond with Kohli — one that didn't start on the friendliest of terms. 

"Virat is like one of my cricketing brothers, someone I really grew fond of once I got to know him better," de Villiers said in a video shared by the ICC. 

"He's a nightmare to play against. Before we became teammates, I didn't like him much — simply because he was so good and so fiercely competitive. In a way, he reminded me of myself." 

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However, their relationship took a turn when de Villiers joined RCB. "Once we started playing together at RCB, everything changed. We became family friends, brothers even. At the crease, we just clicked — we understood each other without saying much. I genuinely cherished every single moment we shared in the middle," he added. 

Together, Kohli and de Villiers formed one of the most iconic batting duos in IPL history. The pair piled up 3,123 runs across 76 matches, including a record 10 century partnerships — a testament to their chemistry and consistency under pressure.