‘Many cancerous characters’- AB de Villiers says Delhi Daredevils were in shambles; reveals he wasn't backed much

AB de Villiers played for Delhi franchise (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL from 2008-10.

According to South African and IPL legend AB de Villiers, the Delhi Daredevils (now known as the Delhi Capitals) were "in shambles" when he was a member from 2008 to 2010 due to a number of "poisonous" and "cancerous" players.

Even though he got to meet some of his heroes, AB de Villiers claimed that they made his stay at the franchise "bittersweet." He wouldn't want to name and "burn" such individuals.

De Villiers played in 28 games over three seasons at DD to begin his IPL career. In 2011, he was bought in auction by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he remained till his retirement in 2021.

Even though he was unable to lead RCB to a championship, he became a true legend of the league due to his entertaining and somewhat revolutionary style of cricket as well as his statistical accomplishments in the field and with the bat.

AB de Villiers talked about the condition of the Delhi franchise during his time with them and recalled playing with Glenn McGrath and Daniel Vettori.

“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," AB de Villiers told cricket.com.

“That’s where we got close. But these guys were my heroes, and I was so scared of them growing up. Like McGrath. I mean, I played against him in 2006 in a Test match, and I could hardly breathe, literally, and never spoke a word to him. And then in the next minute, I’m sitting here in 2008, and he sits next to me and goes, “I like the way you play.” I’m like, “What’s going on there?” he added.

AB de Villiers also felt he didn’t get the backing he deserved at the franchise.

“So, from those highs to also realizing that there were some cancerous characters inside, and no need to mention names, so it was a very bittersweet three years for me. Also, I wasn’t backed as I would have liked to," he said.

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers celebrated with the RCB, who won their IPL title in IPL 2025, and he was present with the squad.