AB de Villiers Hints at Potential RCB Return: Coaching or Mentoring Role on the Horizon?

Former South African cricket star AB de Villiers has expressed interest in potentially returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a coach or mentor with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), though he clarified a full-time professional role is unlikely at this time. The batting legend, who retired from all cricket in 2021, made these comments while discussing his future involvement with the league.De Villiers had a distinguished IPL career spanning two franchises, beginning with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 for three seasons before joining RCB in 2011."I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done. That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there's a role for me (as a coach or mentor), when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB," de Villiers told IANS.During his tenure with RCB, de Villiers accumulated 4,522 runs in 157 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33. His achievements included two centuries and 37 fifties for the team.His overall IPL career statistics show 5,162 runs in 184 matches across both franchises, with a strike rate of 151.68, including 40 fifties and three centuries.De Villiers holds a significant IPL record for the highest partnership, achieving a 229-run stand for the second wicket with Virat Kohli against the Gujarat Lions in 2016. That same season, he scored 687 runs and finished third in the tournament's run standings.In recognition of his contributions to RCB, de Villiers was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Chris Gayle.