Only a few foreign cricketers have received this kind of appreciation in India AB de Villiers Is. The former player is widely regarded as one of the most innovative batsmen in cricket history South Africa The Captain won millions of hearts through his captivating strokeplay, remarkable consistency and humble personality. He had a long and successful association with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) In Indian Premier League (IPL) This turned him into a fan favourite, with Bengaluru becoming his second home. Years after retiring from the IPL, de Villiers has once again spoken about his deep emotional connection with the city and the Indian fans who embraced him throughout his career.
AB de Villiers names the city that changed his life
Reflecting on his memorable IPL journey, de Villiers said Bengaluru as the city that had the greatest influence on his life and career. The former RCB superstar said the Karnataka capital will always hold a special place in his heart as he felt a sense of belonging there from the moment he joined the franchise in 2011.
“Bengaluru is and always will be closest to my heart. It is the city that changed my life, so it will always have a special place in my heart.” De Villiers was quoted as saying by Times of India.
The South African great revealed that settling into life at RCB came naturally, thanks to the warm welcome he received from the franchise and its enthusiastic supporters.
“Bengaluru is a very special city. It had a huge impact on my life. When I joined RCB in 2011, I immediately felt at home. It didn’t take long for the crowd to follow me.” He added.
De Villiers spent over a decade with RCB, forming one of the IPL’s most iconic partnerships Virat Kohli. Although the franchise is still chasing its maiden IPL title, the former Proteas captain remains one of the most famous players to represent the team.
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De Villiers opens up about his special relationship with Indian fans
De Villiers also reflected on the continued affection he receives from Indian cricket fans and admitted that he never fully understood why the relationship became so strong but he cherishes it deeply. The great batsman believes that Indian supporters appreciate players who compete with passion, enjoy the game and always give their best on the field.
“To be honest, I never really understood it. I just know it was incredibly special. There is a deep love for cricket and competition in India. I think people appreciate players who compete with passion and genuine joy. Maybe that’s why people connected. Maybe they also appreciated someone who always tried to be positive.” De Villiers explained.
His comments underline his enduring relationship with Indian cricket fans, many of whom continue to celebrate his achievements long after his retirement.
Despite retirement, de Villiers remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket. Be it through his memorable performances in the IPL, his friendship with Kohli, or his heartfelt appreciation for Bengaluru and its fans, the South African legend continues to enjoy a unique place in the hearts of cricket fans across the country.
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