Global cricket legend and former South African star AB de Villiers recently brought immense joy to fans and players by joining the Mumbai wheelchair cricket team for a practice session at Islam Gymkhana, Marine Lines. In a heartwarming display of support for inclusive sports, de Villiers sat in a wheelchair, played his trademark elegant shots, and even wheeled himself between the wickets, engaging fully with the team.
The heartwarming moment quickly gained traction on social media, with spectators and players capturing the legendary cricketer’s involvement through pictures and videos. Fans praised AB de Villiers for his humility, sportsmanship, and genuine encouragement of para-athletes.
AB de Villiers, known for redefining modern-day batting, once again proved why he’s one of the most respected figures in global cricket. By taking time to play and bond with wheelchair cricketers, he emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports. His presence not only uplifted the morale of the players but also brought significant attention to the growing movement of wheelchair cricket in India.
For the players, having a legend like de Villiers in their midst was more than just a thrill — it was validation and motivation. His graceful stroke play, even while seated, left many in awe, reminding everyone that cricket truly is a game for all.
De Villiers has remained closely connected to cricket post-retirement and is actively following the 2025 Indian Premier League. He expressed particular excitement as his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)advanced to the final after a convincing eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur.
He applauded the team’s resilience and was particularly expressive about the enduring brilliance of Virat Kohli, his former captain and close friend. Although Kohli managed only 12 runs off 12 balls in the semi-final — hitting two boundaries before being caught behind off Kyle Jamieson — de Villiers stressed that Kohli’s true impact extends well beyond the numbers on the scoreboard.
While Kohli’s numbers in the semi-final may not reflect his usual dominance, de Villiers believes the RCB talisman is saving his best for the final. He shared a personal observation that spoke volumes about Kohli’s mindset.
AB’s comments highlighted the intangible impact that seasoned leaders like Kohli have on a team — especially when they exude hunger, drive, and intensity, even after years at the top.
With momentum on their side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) now await their biggest challenge yet: the IPL 2025 final on June 3, set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They will face the winner of Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) — a clash cricket fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating.
As anticipation grows for the final clash, AB de Villiers’ words and deeds keep inspiring many. From promoting inclusive cricket at the grassroots to passionately supporting his former team and teammates, de Villiers stands tall as a genuine ambassador of the sport.
And if his instincts are right, fans might just witness Virat Kohli rise to the occasion once again — not just as a player, but as a leader determined to bring glory to RCB.
