'Girls have done it and now boys are going to come to the party' - AB de Villiers expresses optimism ahead of IPL 2024

The recent victory of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women's team in the WPL final, has sparked fresh optimism around the long-awaited IPL success for the men's side. AB de Villiers, an RCB legend, is confident that 2024 could finally be the year his former franchise end their 16-year title drought.

RCB remains one of the three original IPL franchises yet to win the tournament, having finished runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Despite having stars like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years, an IPL trophy has been away from them. However, RCB's women's team, led by Smriti Mandhana, defeated Delhi Capitals to claim the WPL title in the latest edition.

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Once the RCB men's team gets one win, there will be many more: AB de Villiers

Reacting to RCB's women's triumph, De Villiers expressed his conviction that the men's team will follow suit this year. De Villiers acknowledged RCB's past shortcomings but backed the senior players' legacy to inspire the current crop.

"It's destiny. The girls have done it and now the boys are going to come to the party. The shackles are broken; I think this is the year. It's meant to be that way for the guys. I do believe they can win it; they will win. Look, you have got to be patient. Sports is a funny thing. It's not predictable, otherwise it would be boring. Once the RCB men's team gets one win, there will be many more. Hopefully, we go from strength to strength," De Villiers said on the News18 show 'Rising Bharat Summit'.

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"There have been nine other superstar teams and many teams haven't won it barring RCB. We have given our absolute best. We came close but lost three times in the final. We had our chances here and there and we have ourselves to blame but the legacy over the last few years that the seniors have left will be carried forward," he added.

The Faf du Plessis-led side is currently in Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings in the opening game of the tournament slated for March 22nd.