Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) honoured their two legends on Sunday (26 March) during the RCB Unbox event. Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers who represented RCB for years got their due credit as the franchise inducted the two legends into their Hall of Fame. The two jersey numbers, donned by the two individuals were also retired.
Both AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle looked emotional while the fans at Chinnaswamy chanted their names. Two days later, de Villiers poured those emotions in a heartfelt letter he shared on social media. The former South African talked about everything- from the rousing reception he received from the fans to the rush of emotions he felt while walking up the stairs of the stadium.
De Villiers also thanked his teammates and gave a special mention to Virat Kohli who has been his ally at RCB for years.
"So, on March 26, 2023, Chris and I were inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame and our jersey numbers retired forever. My heart blossomed as my wife, two boys and a little girl walked up the stairs to enter our RCB den, stairs that I have walked up so many times with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. It felt weird to walk up there in a different state of mind," de Villiers wrote in an Instagram post.
"Tears filled my eyes when I stepped onto the balcony of our dressing room at the Chinnaswamy in front of a packed stadium. I never thought hearing the chants of ABD could beat the first time, but this time was different. It used to be adrenalin combined with an extreme hunger to please the cry out of our fans to find a way to win. This time it was a sea of emotion that filled my body as I simply felt grateful to have had my time in the arena representing a proud city, an amazing franchise and incredible teammates," he added.
"So many special memories rushed back as I thought of all my days spent in India since 2003, I have a deep connection with this country and it's people. I'll forever be grateful!" "Thank you, teammates, especially Virat, thank you RCB, thank you Bengaluru," he concluded.