AB De Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last month. It also meant that he announced retirement from the IPL as well. However, RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar has hinted at a possible return for AB De Villiers back in the Banglore team. RCB retained Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell in the retention window.
Speaking to Star Sports in the India-New Zealand Test series, Bangar said that Royal Challengers Bangalore is likely to sign AB De Villiers as the batting coach of the side.
“So the head coach doesn’t have much time and the batting coach especially works on the shortcomings of the players in batting. Hence, every team needs a batting coach apart from the head coach,” Bangar said.
Speaking of his decision of retirement, AB de Villiers said he contemplated a long before arriving at this decision of ending the ties after 11 long years. He played 184 matches, scoring 5162 runs at an average of 39.1, including three centuries and 40 fifties. He scored 4522 runs in 145 innings at an average of 41.10 for RCB.
AB De Villiers even released a statement of his retirement from all forms of cricket. He announced on Twitter, ending an illustrious career, which saw him play in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Proteas.
It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
Speaking about his journey with RCB, De Villiers said that he will always be a part of the franchise and a part of the RCB family. Since he is so connected with Virat Kohli and the franchise overall, it will not be a surprise if De Villiers does come back as the batting coach of the franchise.
AB De Villiers Scored 4522 Runs in 145 Innings For RCB
“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that.” – @ABdeVilliers17 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
“I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family. I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years.”
“It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for a lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever,” he added.