'What I witnessed was not just a cricket match'— AB de Villiers on RCB’s title win

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player AB de Villiers wrote an emotional letter on Instagram celebrating RCB's first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win on June 3, 2023, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The South African legend watched from the stands as RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to end their 18-year wait for the trophy.De Villiers holds the position of RCB's second-highest run-scorer with 4,522 runs in 157 matches at an average of 41.10, including two centuries and 37 half-centuries at a strike rate of 158.33.

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"Dear RCB family, Last night was something words will never fully do justice to, but I will try, because the heart deserves to speak when it is full.

As I walked into the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the sun had already dipped below the skyline, but it felt like the red of RCB still lit up the horizon. A neutral venue, they said, but when I heard the roar, saw the jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home.

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De Villiers mentioned that despite being in Western India, the atmosphere felt like their home ground M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

"What I witnessed was not just a cricket match, but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heartbreaks, near misses, miracles, and an undying loyalty that no trophy, until now, had been able to reward. But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are the champions of the IPL. Well, it feels good to say that."

The former RCB star shared a special moment with Virat Kohli during the match. "And then, as if the night hadn't already stirred every emotion, there was Virat, standing at long off, right in front of me.

Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We did not need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we had both carried for this dream. There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing.

We have shared countless innings, conversations, and battles together, but the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions, and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have.

That moment reminded me. It is not about the numbers."Quiz: Who's that IPL player?De Villiers expressed pride in seeing young players like Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal succeed on the big stage."To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever loyal fans, and to every single player who's worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I was not out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be.

This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life. Seeing the team I love finally lift their trophy.

With all my love, pride, and gratitude, you Mr. 360."In the final match, RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Virat Kohli scored 43, while Rajat Patidar (26), Jitesh Sharma (24), and Liam Livingstone (25) made valuable contributions.

Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson took three wickets each for PBKS.Chasing 191, PBKS managed 184/7 despite efforts from Priyansh Arya (24), Prabhsimran (26), Josh Inglis (39), and Shashank Singh's unbeaten 61. Krunal Pandya's impressive bowling figures of 2/17 earned him the Player of the Match award.This was PBKS's second IPL final appearance and their first in 11 years, but their wait for the trophy continues.