AB de Villiers Reveals Special Virat Kohli Moment in IPL 2025 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend AB de Villiers has opened up about his emotional experience during the iconic IPL 2025 final, revealing a special moment he shared with former teammate Virat Kohli. RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to win their maiden Indian Premier League title, ending years of waiting for the franchise and its supporters.

De Villiers, who represented RCB for 11 seasons, was present at the stadium to witness the historic victory. Reflecting on the occasion, the South African batting legend described the experience as “incredibly special” and revealed that Kohli repeatedly made eye contact with him during the match.

The former RCB star also expressed his gratitude to Kohli and the team for inviting him and Chris Gayle to join the celebrations after the final. According to de Villiers, the gesture made the championship victory even more meaningful for two players who had contributed significantly to the franchise’s history.

AB de Villiers Reveals Special Moment With Virat Kohli During IPL 2025 Final

RCB’s maiden IPL title was a landmark moment for the franchise, which had endured years of disappointment despite featuring several legendary cricketers. For de Villiers, watching the team finally lift the trophy was particularly emotional because he had spent more than a decade representing the Bengaluru-based side.

Speaking during a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, de Villiers revealed that he felt closely connected to the action despite watching from the stands. He also highlighted the special interaction he shared with Kohli throughout the final.

“It was incredibly special. It felt like I was part of the game, to be honest. I was there for both finals. I experienced the energy and atmosphere of the team and the fight they showed out there. I had a very special moment with Virat as well. He was constantly making eye contact with me during the game.”

De Villiers’ comments offered a glimpse into the emotional connection he continues to share with RCB and its players. Although he was no longer part of the playing squad, the former South African international felt involved in the team’s historic achievement.

Kohli’s repeated eye contact with his former teammate made the occasion even more memorable, highlighting the bond they developed during their years together at the franchise.

RCB Invited AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to Join the Trophy Celebrations

One of the most meaningful moments for de Villiers came after RCB secured the championship. The team invited both him and Chris Gayle to join the celebrations, acknowledging the contributions they had made to the franchise over the years.

For de Villiers, the gesture demonstrated that the team’s success extended beyond the players who were part of the final. He appreciated the decision to include two former RCB greats in the celebrations after the franchise finally achieved its long-awaited goal.

“For them to invite us after the game and telling us to be part of the journey was not necessary, but a special touch from him and the team, to pull Chris and myself in there.”

The gesture was especially significant because de Villiers and Gayle had both played important roles in RCB’s previous title campaigns. Their presence during the celebrations connected the franchise’s past with its championship-winning present.

De Villiers also expressed his belief that RCB had the potential to break through and win the IPL title after years of trying.

“I knew it was a matter of time for the team to push through and break the shackles, and finally that happened, and hopefully the floodgates open.”

His remarks reflected the relief and excitement surrounding RCB’s breakthrough victory, which ended the franchise’s long wait for an IPL championship.

AB de Villiers Reflects on His Time in the RCB Dressing Room

De Villiers also looked back on his playing days with RCB, describing the dressing-room atmosphere as energetic and enjoyable. During his time with the franchise, he shared the dressing room with several outstanding players, including Kohli and Gayle.

Although RCB failed to win the IPL title during his playing career, de Villiers said he always felt fortunate to be part of the team. He particularly valued the opportunity to observe how some of the game’s biggest names prepared for matches and conducted themselves away from the spotlight.

“We had great energy. We never won during my playing days, but luckily RCB is catching up nicely now. But it was great energy. I was in awe of some of the greats I was sharing the dressing room with. There was Chris, Virat, and quite a few others.”

The former South African captain explained that learning from experienced teammates was one of the most rewarding aspects of his time at the franchise.

“That was something that always stood out for me. Seeing how they prepare for games, what kind of humans they are, and the character they show. It is a privilege. The dressing room was fun, and I always felt lucky to be there.”

His comments underline the importance of team culture and relationships in professional cricket. Despite the disappointment of missing out on an IPL title during his playing career, de Villiers remains appreciative of the experiences and friendships he gained at RCB.

AB de Villiers’ Impressive IPL Record for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

De Villiers established himself as one of the most influential players in RCB history during his 11 seasons with the franchise. His remarkable batting ability, versatility and capacity to perform under pressure made him a fan favourite in Bengaluru.

Across 156 matches for RCB, the South African star scored 4,491 runs at an average of 41.20 and a strike rate of 158.64. His record included two centuries and 37 half-centuries, highlighting his consistency and attacking impact in the tournament.

De Villiers was instrumental in several memorable RCB campaigns, helping the team reach the IPL final in 2011 and 2016. However, the franchise lost both championship matches, leaving him without an IPL title during his playing career.

The 2025 triumph therefore carried additional significance for the former batter. After years of coming close, RCB finally lifted the trophy, giving long-time supporters and former players like de Villiers an opportunity to celebrate the achievement.

AB de Villiers Opens Up About Batting With Virat Kohli

The relationship between de Villiers and Kohli became one of the defining partnerships in IPL history. The two batters developed an exceptional understanding in the middle, combining their ability to read match situations with their attacking approach.

De Villiers explained that their success was built on a mixture of communication and instinctive understanding. Both players were capable of assessing changing circumstances quickly, allowing them to adapt their strategies and maintain pressure on opposing teams.

Speaking about their partnership, the former RCB star described the understanding they shared while batting together.

“We communicated, but there was also a good understanding between us, in knowing what is required for us to have an impact on the game. We just understood the flow of the game really well. There was a nice synergy.”

De Villiers added that both players focused on anticipating how matches would develop and staying ahead of the opposition.

“We like to read the game really well and stay one step ahead. So there was a good understanding. It’s a combination of communicating really well and understanding in general.”

The comments highlight why the Kohli-de Villiers partnership became so effective. Their ability to communicate clearly, rotate the strike and accelerate when required made them a formidable combination in the IPL.

Kohli and De Villiers’ Remarkable IPL Partnership Statistics

The numbers underline the success Kohli and de Villiers enjoyed when batting together for RCB. Across 76 innings as a partnership in the IPL, the pair accumulated 3,123 runs at an average of 43.98.

Their partnership record also included 10 century stands and 11 half-century stands, demonstrating how frequently they built substantial partnerships and changed the course of matches.

Beyond the statistics, their combination became a major part of RCB’s identity during their time together. Kohli provided consistency and intensity, while de Villiers was renowned for his innovative stroke play and ability to score quickly against almost any bowling attack.

Their mutual understanding allowed them to build partnerships that regularly put opposition teams under pressure. Even after de Villiers retired from professional cricket, their connection remained evident during RCB’s historic 2025 title celebrations.

RCB’s Maiden IPL Title Makes the 2025 Final Unforgettable

RCB’s victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final marked the culmination of years of effort by the franchise. The team had reached the final on previous occasions but had repeatedly fallen short of securing the championship.

For Kohli, the victory represented the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition with the franchise. For former players such as de Villiers and Gayle, it was an opportunity to celebrate a milestone that had eluded them during their playing careers.

De Villiers’ presence at the Narendra Modi Stadium and his invitation to join the celebrations illustrated the enduring connection between RCB and its former stars. The championship was not just a victory for the current squad but also a moment of pride for those who had helped build the team’s identity over the years.

Conclusion

AB de Villiers has revealed that Virat Kohli repeatedly made eye contact with him during RCB’s historic IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings, creating a special moment for the former South African star. He also praised Kohli and the team for inviting him and Chris Gayle to join the celebrations after the franchise won its maiden IPL title.

Reflecting on his 11 seasons with RCB, de Villiers spoke fondly of the dressing-room atmosphere, his partnership with Kohli and the privilege of playing alongside some of cricket’s greatest names. Although he came close to winning the IPL in 2011 and 2016, the title remained elusive during his playing career.

RCB’s 2025 triumph finally brought that long wait to an end. For de Villiers, the victory was more than just a championship result; it was an emotional moment that celebrated the franchise’s history, its former players and the lasting friendships formed along the way.