AB de Villiers penned an emotional note to celebrate Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) maiden IPL win. De Villiers, the second leading run-scorer in RCB history, represented the team for 11 years, but failed to lift the trophy. However, his dream came true when Virat Kohli asked him to join the victory celebrations.

RCB's wait for the maiden title came to an end after they defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In his post, De Villiers talked about the special feeling of seeing RCB lift the IPL trophy.

“Dear RCB Family, last night was something words will never fully do justice to you. But I’ll try because the heart deserves to speak when it’s full. As I walked into the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the sun had already dipped below the skyline, but it felt like the red of RCB still lit up the horizon. A neutral venue, they said. But when I heard the roar, saw the jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home,” he said.

“Somehow, even in the West of India, it felt like we were back at the Chinnaswamy. What I witnessed was not just a cricket match but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heart breaks, near misses, miracles and an undying loyalty that no trophy until now had been able to reward.

“But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are champions of the IPL. It feels good to say that it was a moment I had dreamed of. But even in these wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined it. This perfect. The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes should never stop working. The fans should never stop believing all came together like never before. That’s what made this so much more than just a victory.

"And then, as if the night hadn’t already stirred every emotion, there was Virat standing at long-off right in front of me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We didn’t need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we both carried for this dream.”

De Villiers also expressed gratitude towards Virat Kohli for his heartfelt words for him after winning the trophy. Kohli had highlighted De Villiers' contribution to RCB and invited him on the podium to join the victory celebrations.

“There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing. We’ve shared countless innings, conversations and battles together. But the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the connections. It’s about what we leave behind in each other’s stories.

"To see players like Rajat, Devdutt and even some of the newer faces who were just youngsters when I played, now stepping up on the biggest stage, it was surreal. I’ve seen their raw potential, their hunger in the nets, their excitement just to share a dressing room, and now they’ve turned that promise into history and I couldn’t be prouder.”

De Villiers also thanked the franchise, coaches, and the fans for allowing him to be a part of the RCB and called the IPL win the greatest joys of his life.

“To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever-loyal fans, and to every single player who’s worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn’t out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be. This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life – seeing the team I love finally lift that trophy with all my love, pride and gratitude, Your Mr. 360,”

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