AB de Villiers is one of the most loved overseas players in India. Also, his association with the Bangalore-based franchise had created a huge fanbase for the team. He played for the team from 2011 to 2021. Late last year, the former South Africa skipper retired from all forms of the game, which is why he isn’t part of the team. Recently, former Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli had expressed that he misses the Protean in the team.
Meanwhile, in what comes as big development, the Pretoria-born player has said that he will be back in the cash-rich league next year. However, he hasn’t made it clear in what capacity will he be back. It could either be as a coach or as a player. The 38-year-old has said that Bangalore is his second home.
“I haven’t decided yet but I will definitely be around the IPL next year but not sure in what capacity and I’m missing it. There might be some games in my second home town in Chinnaswamy Bangalore and I would love to return in IPL and I’m looking forward to it,” said Ab de Villiers while speaking to VUSport.
Talking about De Villiers, he has played 184 games in the biggest T20 League in the world. He has represented Delhi (2008-2010) and Bangalore. In these games, he has amassed 5162 runs at an average of 39.71 and a strike rate of 151.69 which includes three hundred and 40 half-centuries. He is more likely to be back with the team in the coaching role as he hasn’t played the game since retirement.
Talking about the team’s performance his year, Bangalore have qualified for the playoffs. They will play the Eliminator against Indian T20 League debutants Lucknow in Kolkata on May 25. The team would like to win this game and inch closer to the ever-elusive trophy. However, the game is threatened by the persistent rain in the city. If the game gets abandoned, the three-time finalists will be knocked out on the virtue of finishing fourth in the points table.
