RCB legend AB de Villiers has thrown his full support behind Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 final, calling the former skipper “the ultimate team man” and praising the balance and unity within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad this season. As RCB booked their place in the final for the first time since 2016, de Villiers reflected on their evolution, pointing to a key turning point at the auction table. Speaking on JioHotstar after RCB's qualifier win, de Villiers said Kohli’s focus and leadership have been evident even in games where he hasn’t starred with the bat. “The first time I saw him on the screen for PBKS vs RCB game, was when he got out of the bus, and I just saw a lot of focus in that guy. That's the typical kind of body language we're so used to seeing. And what I love most about this is — he didn't score runs today, but we still saw him right till the end, celebrating with the batters. The ultimate team man, and he looks very, very focused. Obviously, the job's not done yet, but I'm very excited to watch him play. I have no doubt in my mind he's going to play a big hand in the final.” De Villiers’ words come at a time when Kohli’s role in RCB’s campaign has been more about composure and mentorship than just piling up runs. His hunger for the title is no secret, and Sunday’s final presents a golden opportunity to end the franchise’s 17-year wait. "They finally got the balance right": AB hails RCB squad build in 2025 While fans often look back at the heartbreaks of 2011 and 2016, AB de Villiers believes RCB’s best shot is now. According to him, the real shift happened before a ball was even bowled — during the IPL 2025 auction. Also READ: “One more game, let’s celebrate together!”: Rajat Patidar’s message to fans after RCB thrash PBKS “I think 2011 was a really good chance to win the title. Everyone talks about the 2016 season, but let's forget about the past. Where are RCB now? In another final — 2025. It's closer than you think and smaller than you think. So hopefully those little moments will go in RCB's favour, come the 3rd of June. It was around the auction time when I felt like RCB really got the balance right this year. It's not a one-dimensional batting line-up, not a one-dimensional bowling line-up — there are options.” De Villiers added that this RCB unit isn’t relying on just a few players. Instead, it’s been a collective effort with everyone chipping in, which he sees as a hallmark of a strong team culture. “I just loved the look of that squad when I saw it come out. They found a way to gel together as a unit. As you can see, all the players individually chipped in at times, and that is a sign of a healthy environment.” RCB will now face the biggest test on June 3rd, where they will take on the winner of Qualifier Two in the final.