Former Royal challengers Bengaluru star Ab de Villiers is open to taking up a coaching role with the IPL franchise in the future. The ex-South African captain had earlier categorically stated that he was by no means planning to join his former IPL side as a player once again. Ahead of IPL 2026, de Villiers has addressed the possibility of joining Andy Flower and co. in a coaching capacity in the near future.
De Villiers open to returning to RCB
As per news agency IANS, de Villiers dropped a hint about his return to RCB by stating that he might be involved in the IPL once again in the near future. Mr 360 spent long years with Virat Kohli and co. ever since he joined the side from DD in 2011. ABD said that even though he believes that he cannot contribute in full professional capacity to RCB, he is open to returning as a coach if there is a requirement.
“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 said.
ABD bowed out of IPL after spending 11 seasons with RCB. While he did not manage to lay his hands on silverware during his IPL stint, he finished with 5162 runs from 184 matches for the franchise, emerging as an household name for the team amongst the fans. In 2022, De Villiers was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame alongside Chris Gayle.
