Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and South Africa great AB de Villiers has let out a big hint regarding a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), this time, however, as a coach or mentor, rather than as a player. The South African great batter, who retired from all types of cricket in 2021, spoke of his future with the league in an interview with IANS. Ab de Villiers stated: "I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done. That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there's a role for me (as a coach or mentor), when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB." A Legendary IPL Career with RCB AB de Villiers' IPL career is nothing less than legendary. Beginning with Delhi Daredevils (currently Delhi Capitals) in 2008, he joined RCB in 2011, where he was a part of a legendary partnership with Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle. During his decade-long tenure with RCB, de Villiers amassed 4,522 runs in 157 games at an average of 41.10 and a scorching strike rate of 158.33. Overall, his IPL career reads 5,162 runs in 184 games with 40 half-centuries and three centuries. Perhaps his greatest achievement is the 229-run partnership with Kohli in 2016 against Gujarat Lions, the record second-wicket stand in IPL history. In that season, he scored 687 runs, which placed him third on the overall run tally. AB de Villiers' sheer contributions to RCB led him to be inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame in 2022, together with Gayle. Also Read | 'I Work Harder': AB de Villiers on Retiring Early While Dhoni Plays at 44 RCB's First IPL Title and De Villiers' Unbreakable Connection with the Franchise RCB silenced critics at last by winning their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a heart-stopping IPL 2026 final. Though retired, De Villiers was in the stands, whooping it up with his long-time team-mate Virat Kohli and fellow legend Chris Gayle. The association between RCB and de Villiers is indomitable. His revelation about a coaching or mentoring position has got everyone talking, as the franchise keeps adapting while remaining close to its heroes.