If RCB wins the 2025 IPL, AB de Villiers says he will “give Kohli a big hug”

Ahead of the IPL 2025 final, South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has declared that he will rejoice if Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeats Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to win their first IPL championship.

During his playing days, the former RCB mainstay developed an amazing partnership with Virat Kohli. He stated that he will do everything in his power to attend the festivities and offer Kohli his personal congratulations.

AB de Villiers said Cricket.com, “I will celebrate and try to get into the change room somehow – Just to give Virat a Big Hug.”

After defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, RCB secured their spot in the championship game. But on June 1, PBKS recovered well and defeated the five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) to guarantee a berth in the championship game.

With more than 5,000 runs in the IPL, the former South Africa international is still regarded as a legendary figure in the league. He continues to support the club even after retiring, and his legendary partnerships with Kohli helped set many records. Throughout the IPL 2025, Kohli has been in outstanding form, amassing 614 runs at a remarkable average of 55.81. In the Orange Cap race, he is presently ranked fifth.

With Rajat Patidar at the helm, RCB made their tournament debut under new management. They made it to the final for the first time in nine years and ended second in the standings with 19 points. However, Shreyas Iyer, who captained PBKS, also had an incredible return this season. The squad ended at the top of the table and made it to the playoffs after 11 years under his leadership.

In the 2008-started main event, both franchises are vying for their first-ever championship. A new champion will be crowned in the IPL 2025 after 18 seasons of the lucrative tournament.