After Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Punjab Kings by 8 wickets in the Qualifier 1 on Thursday and got a direct entry into the final for the first time since 2016, a confident AB de Villiers on Friday said that RCB would go on to win this year's IPL, ending their 18-year-long wait for the title.

The brotherhood between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers is not unknown to fans. For RCB fans, they showcased a great bond, both on and off the field, during their time at the franchise. Last year in October, Kohli penned a heartfelt letter congratulating AB de Villiers on his induction into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame and termed him "the most talented" teammate.
Here is an excerpt from the letter: "To AB, It is an honour to be selected to write these words as you enter the ICC Hall of Fame. You are thoroughly deserving of your place - after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique.” De Villiers was quick to address Kohli with an affectionate message and posted on his social media thanking the latter for the kind words.
The post read: “Thank you for the kind words, my biscuit! And for reminding me of those amazing moments we’ve shared, that I’ll never forget! ♥️”
Echoing similar warmth and love, De Villiers on Saturday hailed Kohli, who retired from first-class cricket on May 12, after a 14-year-long career in Tests.
The Proteas star said: "He (Kohli) must have listened to his heart. He followed his gut feeling. He has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years, and luckily, we will still see him on the cricket field. He will be missed in test matches...He leaves a great legacy in the red ball."
Fans’ reactions: We all know the indomitable spirit of RCB fans and their love for Kohli and company. Fans and netizens rushed to the comment section of the post and ushered in their admiration for the duo. While one user said: It's time for you to join RCB as a mentor, another wrote: This Duo ❤️. A user said: Please AB, we have been asking you for 3 years. Please join in any role in the RCB coaching setup. We want to see you and your biscuit together for those 3 months
Published: 31 May 2025, 10:32 am IST
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