AB de Villiers

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Lore & Background

De Villiers joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 and remained with the franchise until his retirement from all professional cricket in 2021. Over the course of his career, he won several major honours: he was named the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2010, 2014, and 2015, and was selected as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Decade in 2019. In 2024, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. His batting style was characterized by an unshakeable belief in his own ability, often producing match-winning performances under intense pressure. While the franchise faced challenges in securing the championship title during his time, AB's legacy is defined by the sheer entertainment value and technical brilliance he injected into every match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over a packed M Chinnaswamy as the ball was bowled. With the score teetering on a knife-edge, AB de Villiers stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the delivery. Instead of playing conventional cricket, he swiveled his hips and launched the ball over deep mid-wicket with a flick that seemed to defy gravity. The crowd erupted as the ball vanished into the night sky, a signature moment that reminded everyone why they fell in love with this game.

Reader's Guide

AB de Villiers is defined by his revolutionary approach to batting and his steady leadership during some of RCB's most turbulent years. As a top-order batsman capable of accelerating at will, he possessed the unique skill of clearing boundaries from virtually any part of the field. His arc within the franchise saw him evolve from a dynamic player into a revered captain who carried the hopes of millions on his shoulders. He was known for his ability to perform in high-stakes knockout matches, often single-handedly shifting momentum with explosive innings. Defining moments include numerous record-breaking partnerships and individual scores that showcased his mastery over all types of bowling. His retirement marked the end of an era where innovation and flair were the primary weapons of choice.

Did You Know?

• De Villiers holds the record for the fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) and 150 (64 balls) of all time in One Day Internationals.
• He is South Africa's second-highest run-scorer in ODIs and fourth-highest in Tests as of June 2026.
• He was named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2010, 2014, and 2015.
• He holds the record for most Test innings without registering a duck (78).
• He scored the second-highest individual score by a South African batsman, an unbeaten 278.