Watch: AB de Villiers flies into Ahmedabad to back Virat Kohli & RCB in IPL 2026 final vs Gujarat Titans tonight
AB de Villiers has arrived in Ahmedabad ahead of the IPL 2026 final, showing his support for Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their title clash against Gujarat Titans. The former RCB star, who shares a special bond with the franchise and its fans, was spotted in the city just hours before the blockbuster final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
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The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With the coveted trophy on the line, two of the tournament's strongest teams will battle for supremacy at the world's largest cricket stadium in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, excitement among RCB fans received a major boost with the arrival of franchise legend AB de Villiers in Ahmedabad. The former South African star, who remains one of the most iconic figures in the franchise's history, was spotted in the city just hours before the final, sparking excitement among supporters.
Videos and pictures of de Villiers quickly went viral across social media, with fans celebrating the presence of the beloved "Mr. 360" ahead of the title showdown. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in IPL history, his arrival has added to the anticipation surrounding the final as RCB look to defend their crown against a formidable Gujarat Titans side.
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ABD arrives in Ahmedabad, backing RCB to dominate GT on their Own home ground
The presence of AB de Villiers has added a special emotional touch to the IPL 2026 final for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans. The former RCB star shares a deep connection with the franchise after representing the team for more than a decade. During his illustrious IPL career, de Villiers delivered countless match-winning performances and formed one of the league's most iconic partnerships with Virat Kohli, making him one of the most beloved figures in RCB history.
As RCB aim to defend the IPL title they won in 2025, de Villiers' arrival in Ahmedabad has further boosted excitement among supporters. Many fans view him as a symbol of the franchise's long journey, having been part of several heartbreaking campaigns before finally seeing RCB lift their maiden IPL trophy last season. His presence ahead of another final has brought back memories of that historic triumph.
See also -AB de Villiers could join RCB ahead of IPL 2026: Report
When RCB won the IPL 2025 title, both de Villiers and Chris Gayle were present to support the franchise and celebrate with the players. Following the trophy presentation, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt moment with the two legends, pulling them closer during the celebrations and acknowledging their immense contribution to the franchise's journey. That emotional gesture resonated deeply with fans, and many supporters now see the return of de Villiers as a positive sign. Social media has been flooded with posts describing him as RCB's "lucky charm" as the team chases back-to-back IPL titles.
AB de Villiers sends heartfelt message to Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026 final — "You've been the rock of this team"
Before arriving in Ahmedabad, AB de Villiers appeared in a video with Star Sports India and took a moment to send a special message to his close friend Virat Kohli. The retired RCB legend spoke warmly about the Indian superstar and praised his outstanding contribution to the team throughout the IPL 2026 season.
Speaking directly to Kohli, de Villiers said, "Message to Virat is — you are batting incredibly well, stay in there, keep doing well. I think you've been a rock, a pillar of strength and a rock in the RCB side, and we're all very proud of you." The heartfelt words from one of cricket's greatest players will mean a lot to Kohli and the entire RCB camp as they prepare for the biggest match of their season tonight.
From Kohli-ABD's record 3123-run partnership to tonight's final — How RCB's journey has come full circle
Few partnerships in IPL history have been as iconic as the one between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The duo shared the RCB dressing room for 11 seasons before de Villiers retired ahead of IPL 2022. Together, they scored a record 3,123 runs in 76 innings at an average of 43.98, making them the most successful batting partnership in IPL history. They also hold the record for the most century stands in the tournament, with 10 partnerships worth 100 runs or more. De Villiers remains one of the greatest players in RCB history and still holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards for the franchise.
The pair were also part of the RCB side that suffered heartbreak in the IPL 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. While Kohli and de Villiers came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy on multiple occasions, the coveted title remained out of reach during their time together. De Villiers eventually retired without winning an IPL trophy, but when RCB finally ended their long wait by winning the title in 2025, Kohli made sure to acknowledge his former teammate's contribution to the franchise's journey. During the celebrations, Kohli shared an emotional moment with de Villiers and Chris Gayle, thanking them for helping build the legacy that ultimately led to RCB's historic triumph.
Now, as RCB prepare to face the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, the return of de Villiers to Ahmedabad has brought the story full circle. His presence has reignited memories of the franchise's highs and lows and reminded fans of the bond he shares with both the team and its supporters. Many RCB loyalists see him as a symbol of the club's journey from years of heartbreak to championship success. With de Villiers expected to cheer on his former side from the stands, fans will be hoping that the legendary South African once again proves to be a lucky charm as RCB chase back-to-back IPL titles.
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