The South African legend will now not be seen donning the RCB jersey after saying his retirement from all types of cricket in November 2021. The franchise additionally acknowledged de Villiers’ illustrious profession by inducting him into the RCB Corridor of Fame.
AB de Villiers, who joined RCB in 2011 and scored 4522 runs in 144 innings at a strike price of 158.33, on Tuesday penned a heartfelt observe to thank RCB for the distinction and for retiring his jersey quantity.
At a star-studded RCB Unbox occasion held on the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, de Villiers was honored by the franchise by inducting him into the Corridor of Fame together with West Indies legend Chris Gayle.
The Bangalore-based franchise additionally retired their jersey numbers – de Villiers’ quantity 17 and Gayle’s quantity 333 as a mark of respect for his or her contribution.
Taking to social media, the South African legend expressed his appreciation for RCB and their followers, revealing that it was an emotional second when he entered the balcony of the Chinnaswamy Stadium dressing room, with tears in his eyes. Have come.
(PTI picture)
“So, on March 26, 2023, Chris and I are inducted into the RCB Corridor of Fame and our jersey numbers are retired eternally. My coronary heart swells as my spouse, two boys and a bit woman be part of our RCB den Climbed stairs to enter. “Stairs that I’ve climbed many instances with butterflies fluttering in my abdomen,” de Villiers wrote in an Instagram put up. It felt bizarre strolling in there in a distinct frame of mind.”
(AFP picture)
“Once I stepped out onto the balcony of our dressing room at Chinnaswamy in entrance of a packed stadium, tears welled up in my eyes. I by no means thought listening to ABD’s slogans for the primary time would flip inexperienced, however this time was totally different. It was Was once the adrenaline. To discover a solution to win. Mixed with an insatiable starvation to please the cries of our followers. This time it was a sea of feelings that stuffed my physique as I walked to symbolize a proud metropolis. Grateful to have spent my time on the sphere, a beautiful franchise and unimaginable teammate,” he stated.
“Once I suppose again on all my days in India since 2003, many particular reminiscences come dashing again, I’ve a deep reference to this nation and its individuals. I can be eternally grateful!”
“Thanks teammates, particularly Virat, thanks RCB, thanks Bengaluru,” he concluded.
(With IANS inputs)