​Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has expressed that Bengaluru will always hold a special place in his heart, describing the city as the one that changed his life and gave him a connection with fans unlike anything he had experienced before. While speaking on The Times of India’s Bombay Sports Exchange podcast, the Royal Challengers Bangalore legend reflected on his 11-year journey with the franchise, noting that the affection from supporters fulfilled a childhood dream.
“Bengaluru is closest to my heart and will always remain that way,” de Villiers said. “It’s the city that changed my life, so it will always have a special place in my heart.” De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 after a three-season stint with the Delhi franchise and quickly grew into one of the IPL’s most beloved players. Alongside Virat Kohli, he formed one of the league’s iconic batting partnerships, earning a lasting place in Bengaluru’s affections even as the team endured a long wait for its maiden IPL title.
Reflecting on his early days with RCB, de Villiers said he felt at home almost immediately. “Bengaluru is a very special city. It had an enormous impact on my life. When I joined RCB in 2011, I immediately felt at home. It didn’t take long for the crowd to get behind me.” The 41-year-old recounted the first time he heard the Chinnaswamy Stadium crowd chanting his name, saying it instantly transported him back to his childhood. “Hearing them chant my name was one of those moments I’d dreamed about as a child,” he said. “When I was six or seven years old, I used to hit tennis balls around the garage imagining myself playing in front of huge crowds.” He added, “The first time the Bengaluru crowd started chanting my name, it felt like a light bulb switched on. I thought, ‘This is exactly what I dreamed about.’”
According to de Villiers, the emotional bond formed almost instantly and only intensified with time. “That connection with Bengaluru was immediate. The connection with India as a whole developed even further over the following years, especially around 2015 and 2016. But Bengaluru was where it all began.” Even after his IPL retirement, de Villiers continues to receive immense admiration from overseas fans, particularly in India, where RCB supporters still celebrate him.
When asked why Indian fans connect with him so profoundly, the former captain admitted he never fully understood it. “Honestly, I never really understood it. All I know is that it was incredibly special,” he said. “India has a deep love for cricket and for competition. I think people appreciate players who compete with passion and genuine joy.” He added that perhaps fans also valued someone who consistently tried to stay positive, acknowledging that the exact reasons behind the enduring bond are not easily explained.
While the exact dynamics of the relationship are difficult to quantify, de Villiers regards it as one of the greatest gifts of his career. “However it happened, I’m simply grateful,” he said. “The connection I’ve shared with the people of Bengaluru, and with India as a whole, has been extraordinary and lifelong.” He reflected on how this incredible rapport has continued to define a remarkable chapter in his cricketing life, cementing Bengaluru’s status as the city that forever touched his heart and career.