Cricket legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers have become the first two players to be inducted into the Royal Challengers Bangalore Hall of Fame. Former RCB captain Virat Kohli announced the induction of both his beloved teammates into the RCB Hall of Fame. In a video posted on the franchise’s website, Kohli said, “AB has truly changed the game of cricket with his talent, innovation and sportsmanship.” It defines the RCB Play Bold Philosophy (philosophy).
Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers were also present in the video conferencing. Kohli said, ‘It is really special for me to do this for both of you. We have seen videos in which you guys have changed the way IPL is played over the years. Two people who have made a big impact in IPL, this and where RCB are today.
Let us tell you that former South African cricketer AB de Villiers was an integral part of RCB from 2011 to 2021. At the same time, West Indies left-handed batsman Chris Gayle was with the franchise for six years. AB de Villiers involved in the virtual induction gave an emotional message to everyone in the RCB camp.
AB de Villiers said, ‘How wonderful it is for the RCB boys sitting there. To be honest, I am very emotional. Thanks for what you said Virat. Mike (Hesson), Nikhil, everyone in the franchise who set it up, it’s really heartwarming. We spent some wonderful time together as a team. Time has passed for Chris and me, but we are still part of the family and always will be.
He said, ‘So yes thank you very much for the very touching moment. Faf and the people sitting there, Virat and the people who have known me well for many years know how special things like this are to me.
De Villiers said, “You all know how wonderful my journey in the IPL, especially with the RCB family, was great. How it changed my life. So, it is a great privilege to be a part of it. I don’t have enough words to thank you for this.’
Legendary West Indies batsman Chris Gayle said, ‘I want to thank the RCB family for this opportunity, for everything. This has been really special for me as well. It is wonderful to be involved in this and I will always keep RCB close to my heart.
Gayle said, ‘I have shared a lot of memories with some special players, special coaches as well. It has been really great and thank you Virat too. It was also wonderful to share the dressing room with you guys. Chris Gayle played for RCB in IPL from 2011 to 2017.
At the end of the video it was said that you must be thinking that when will we be able to see him again on the field. RCB promises to get back on the field again, but that could happen next year, when we play at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, our home ground.