"I am looking forward to returning to RCB next season" - AB de Villiers confirms his return in IPL 2023

AB de Villiers needs no introduction in the game of cricket. He is certainly a youth icon and one of the most followed cricketers around the globe. However, he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and this is the first time since 2008 that he has not been a part of the Indian Premier League.

De Villiers retired from all forms of the games in November last year. But now he has confirmed that he might return to the IPL and will be there for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next season (2023). He has played an important role for the franchise since 2011 and won them numerous games.

However, his decision to not play in the IPL broke the hearts of many of the fans, including former RCB skipper Virat Kohli, because he was at his prime in the 2021 season. Although Kohli also hinted in the franchise's chat show that De Villiers would be there with the team in the next season.

During a discussion with YUSport, the former South African skipper said that he is happy that Kohli has confirmed it already. De Villiers added, "To be honest, we haven’t decided on anything yet. I will definitely be around IPL next year. I am not sure in what capacity but I am missing getting back there."

He went on to say that he missed the passionate fans in Bangalore and felt compelled to return to the RCB structure given the possibility of the tournament returning to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore next season. The 38-year-old said that he got the news that IPL 2023 will be played at home for the teams.

He concluded that he is looking forward to returning to his second home (Bangalore). De Villiers said, "I would love to watch the full capacity stadium there at the Chinnaswamy again. I would love to return, I am looking forward to it."