South Africa legend AB de Villiers drops a major hint at RCB return ahead of IPL 2026

AB de Villiers is not just a cricketer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. He is an emotion. The moment he walked out to bat, stadiums came alive because his presence alone could lift the energy of the crowd and teammates. He gave RCB fans countless memories for over a decade. Notably, even after his retirement, his aura continues to live on.

AB de Villiers was called Mr. 360 for a reason. The right-hander could hit the ball to every corner of the ground. Yorkers became full tosses when he bent low and scooped them over fine leg. Bouncers were dispatched over third man with ease. When RCB needed quick runs, he often answered with sixes that cleared the stands, thanks to his timing, creativity, and audacity. He played shots no batsman dared to and was on a different level altogether.

Apart from his batting, he was also a superman in the field. Whether it was flying catches at point, running saves at the boundary, or his sharp reflexes behind the stumps, AB de Villiers made fans believe he could do it all. Cricket lovers from every corner of the world respected him.

AB de Villiers hints at RCB return ahead of IPL 2026 season

AB de Villiers was pleased as punch after RCB laid their hands onto their maiden IPL trophy last season. Now, there is a new reason for RCB fans to get excited. AB de Villiers has hinted at a possible return to the IPL ahead of the 2026 season. Not as a player, but in a different role, possibly as a coach or mentor.

Speaking to IANS, De Villiers admitted that a full-time commitment to the IPL is difficult now. Since retiring from all forms of cricket in 2021, he has focused on family and other pursuits. But when it comes to RCB, his bond remains unbreakable. He said:

“I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done. That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there’s a role for me (as a coach or mentor), when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB.”

During his time with RCB, he smashed 4,522 runs in 157 matches, with an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33. He hit two centuries and 37 fifties in red and gold. One of his most famous achievements was his 229-run partnership with Virat Kohli against Gujarat Lions in 2016. That stand remains the highest partnership in IPL history. De Villiers scored 687 runs that season and finished third on the runs chart. Those were peak years of entertainment, and fans still replay those highlights on YouTube whenever they crave nostalgia.

ALSO READ: 7 Records Of Captain Cool MS Dhoni That May Never Be Broken in Cricket

His loyalty to the franchise, his friendship with Virat Kohli, and his never-say-die attitude created a bond few overseas players have ever managed in the IPL. Even though he never lifted the trophy with RCB, he gave fans moments that felt priceless. His possible return as a mentor or coach could bring fresh energy to the team ahead of IPL 2026.

The Pretoria-born spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB (2011-2021). However, he kick-started his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He played for Delhi from 2008 to 2010 before moving to RCB in 2011. After that, he became the heart and soul of the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Overall, he played 184 matches across two franchises. He mustered 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68, including 40 fifties and three centuries. Well, these numbers only tell half the story. The real impact came from the situations he thrived in, the crunch moments where he turned games single-handedly.

In 2022, RCB honoured him by inducting him into their Hall of Fame alongside Chris Gayle. That was a fitting recognition for a player who carried the team’s hopes for over a decade.