AB de Villiers was at the stadium in Ahmedabad when RCB defeated PBKS in the final to clinch their maiden IPL title.
After 18 seasons filled with heartbreaks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025.
RCB edged out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to secure the coveted trophy. The Rajat Patidar-led side successfully defended the title by winning the IPL earlier this year.
Recently, RCB legend AB de Villiers shared his reflections on the franchise’s historic IPL 2025 triumph during an appearance on The Prakhar Gupta Xperience podcast.
De Villiers noted that being present in the stadium for both finals made him feel deeply connected to the energy, tension, and resilience shown by the squad.
The former South African captain revealed that Virat Kohli maintained steady eye contact with him throughout the high-pressure match. He also expressed gratitude toward Kohli and the team for inviting him and Chris Gayle onto the field to celebrate the milestone together.
“It was incredibly special. It felt like I was part of the game, to be honest. I was there for both finals. I experienced the energy and atmosphere of the team and the fight they showed out there. I had a very special moment with Virat as well,” De Villiers said.
“He was constantly making eye contact with me during the game. For them to invite us after the game and telling us to be part of the journey was not necessary, but a special touch from him and the team, to pull Chris and myself in there. I knew it was a matter of time for the team to push through and break the shackles, and finally that happened, and hopefully the floodgates open,” he added.
Recalling his time at the franchise, De Villiers remarked: “We had great energy. We never won during my playing days, but luckily RCB is catching up nicely now. But it was great energy. I was in awe of some of the greats I was sharing the dressing room with. There was Chris, Virat, and quite a few others. That was something that always stood out for me. Seeing how they prepare for games, what kind of humans they are, and the character they show. It is a privilege. The dressing room was fun, and I always felt lucky to be there.”
In the same podcast conversation, AB de Villiers shared insight on the exceptional chemistry, synergy, and mutual understanding he and Kohli shared during their legendary batting partnerships for RCB.
“We communicated, but there was also a good understanding between us, in knowing what is required for us to have an impact on the game. We just understood the flow of the game really well. There was a nice synergy. We like to read the game really well and stay one step ahead. So there was a good understanding. It’s a combination of communicating really well and understanding in general,” he stated.