'Thank you Bengaluru' - AB de Villiers pens heartfelt note after being inducted in RCB's Hall of Fame

Former South African cricketer and Royal Challengers Bangalore batting icon AB de Villiers penned an emotional letter for the loyal RCBians after he was inducted into RCB’s Hall of Fame along with former team-mate Chris Gayle. The South African superstar was overwhelmed when the Bangalore-based franchise retired his jersey number at the RCB Unbox event.

India is renowned for being a country crazy about its cricket, and former South African skipper AB de Villiers found a second home in the country after he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore. A cult hero for the Chinnaswamy faithful, AB has been one of the most loved cricketers in the Asian country.

Following his shock retirement in 2021, the Bangalore-based franchise decided to retire his jersey number along with his former teammate Chris Gayle on March 26, ahead of the 16th edition of the IPL. The Proteas superstar, who played numerous match-winning innings for RCB during his tenure, was overwhelmed by the support he received during the RCB Unbox event.

"So March 26th 2023 Chris and I were inducted into the RCB hall of fame and our jersey numbers retired forever. My heart blossomed as my wife, two boys and little girl walked up the stairs to enter our RCB den, stairs that I have walked up so many times with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. It felt weird to walk up there in a different state of mind.

Tears filled my eyes when I stepped on to the balcony of our dressing room at the Chinnaswamy in front of a packed stadium. I never thought hearing the chants of ABD could beat the first time, but this time was different. It used to be adrenalin combined with an extreme hunger to please the cry out of our fans to find a way to win, this time it was a sea of emotion that filled my body as I simply felt grateful to have had my time in the arena representing a proud city, an amazing franchise and incredible teammates," the former South African cricketer wrote in an emotional post.

After thanking the fans and the franchise for their uninterrupted support during his playing career, the ex-cricketer also thanked his former team-mate and close friend Virat Kohli in his Instagram post. 

"So many special memories rushed back as I thought of all my days spent in India since 2003, I have a deep connection with this country and its people. I’ll forever be grateful! Thank you, teammates, especially Virat, thank you RCB, thank you Bengaluru," the legendary batter wrote.