For their outstanding services for the Bangalore-based IPL franchise, batting legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers on Tuesday (May 17) were inducted into RCB’s Hall of Fame.
Gayle was associated with RCB from 2011 to 2017 before he was roped in by Punjab Kings, where he stayed till 2021. The Jamaican swashbuckler didn’t register his name for the IPL 2022 mega-auction and he is not being seen in action in the ongoing season.
On the other hand, De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 after spending a few seasons with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He remained part of the RCB side until his retirement from all forms of cricket last year.
Both Gayle and De Villiers attended the ceremony virtually, where a video compilation showed them at their absolute best for RCB.
Speaking on the occasion, former RCB skipper Virat Kohli said it was a truly special feeling to be announcing their names.
"AB (de Villiers) has truly changed the game of cricket with his innovation, brilliance, and sportsmanship which truly defines the ‘RCB Play Bold’ philosophy," said Kohli in a video posted by RCB on Twitter.
"It's truly special for me to be doing this for both of you. We saw videos of how you have changed the way the IPL has been played over the years. Two people who have had a huge impact in IPL being where it is today; and RCB being where it is today," he added.
Moved by the gesture of his former IPL team, AB de Villiers also shared a heartfelt message with the RCB camp.
"To the RCB boys sitting there, what an amazing privilege. Quite emotional to be honest," he said. "Virat, thanks for the kind words. Mike (Hesson, director of cricket operations), Nikhil, everyone from the franchise who set this up, it's a really special touch. We had some amazing times together as a team, and the sun has moved on for Chris (Gayle) and me now, but we're still very much part of the family and will always be. So yes, thank you very much for the very special touch.
"(Captain) Faf (du Plessis) and the guys sitting there, Virat and the guys that know me really well for many years know how special stuff like this is to me. You guys know how much of an amazing journey I had during the IPL, especially with my RCB family, and how it changed my life. So, it is a huge privilege to be part of this. I don't have enough words to thank you for this touch," he added passing the stage on to Gayle.
"I want to thank the RCB family for the opportunity, for everything," said Gayle. "It's been really special to me as well. And to be inducted is something fantastic, and I will always keep RCB close to my heart. I share a lot of memories with some special players, some special coaches as well. It's been really, really fantastic. I wish I was there to give this speech and look into you guys' eyes and tell exactly how I feel. AB mentioned it's gonna be emotional as well because it's very touching for such a franchise has created over the years, it's really, really fantastic.
"And to Virat, thank you for the kind words as well, fantastic sharing the dressing room with you guys as well," he concluded.
