AB de Villiers backs RCB for IPL 2025 glory, praises team balance and Kohli’s focus

"Look where RCB are now — back in another final in 2025. It’s closer and tighter than many might think. Hopefully, those crucial little moments will swing in RCB’s favour on June 3," said JioHotstar expert AB de Villiers.

Hyderabad: “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,” said AB de Villiers, former South African star batter and ex-Royal Challengers Bengaluru player said.

“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,” said JioHotstar expert de Villiers .

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“ 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,” he said.

“ 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,” de Villiers said.

“The first time I saw him on the screen for the PBKS vs RCB game, was when he got out of the bus, and I just saw a lot of focus on that guy. That’s the typical kind of body language we’re so used to seeing,” he said about Virat Kohli.

“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,” he said.

“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 said.