Former South African captain AB de Villiers says Bengaluru will always hold a special place in his heart, describing the city as one that changed his life and gave him a connection with fans unlike anything he had ever experienced before.Speaking on The Times of India’s Bombay Sports Exchange podcast, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend spoke about his 11-year association with the franchise, saying the love he received from the fans fulfills a childhood dream.“Bengaluru is very close to my heart and will remain so,” said de Villiers. “It’s the city that changed my life, so it will always have a special place in my heart.”De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 after spending three seasons with the Delhi franchise and became one of the players. IPLthe most beloved players. On the side Virat Kohlihe made the league’s most famous partnership, earning a permanent place in the hearts of Bengaluru fans despite the franchise’s long-awaited first IPL title.Recalling his early days with RCB, de Villiers said he felt at home immediately.“Bengaluru is a very special city. It had a big impact on my life. When I joined RCB in 2011, I immediately felt at home. It didn’t take long for the crowd to get behind me.”The 41-year-old recalled the first time he heard the Chinnaswamy Stadium crowd chanting his name, saying it took him back to his childhood.He said: “Hearing them sing my name was one of the moments I dreamed of when I was a child.“When I was six or seven, I used to hit tennis balls around the garage and pretend I was playing in front of a big crowd.”“The first time the Bengaluru team started chanting my name, it was like a light bulb went on. I thought, ‘This is what I dreamed of.According to de Villiers, that emotional connection was formed almost immediately and only grew over the years.“This collaboration with Bengaluru was fast. The collaboration with the rest of India grew exponentially in the following years, especially around 2015 and 2016. But Bengaluru is where it all started.”Few foreign cricketers have been impressed by de Villiers’ continued success in India, while RCB fans still celebrate him years after his retirement from the IPL.When asked what made the Indian fans connect with him so deeply, the former South African skipper admitted that he was misunderstood.“Honestly, I didn’t really understand. All I know is that it was very special,” he said.“India has deep love cricket and competition. I think people appreciate players who compete with passion and genuine joy. ““Maybe that’s what people connected with. Maybe they also appreciated someone who always tried to stay positive.”While he may not be able to articulate the relationship, de Villiers says it is one of the greatest gifts of his career.“However it happened, I’m just thankful,” he said. “The connection I have shared with the people of Bengaluru, and the rest of India, is something I will always cherish.”
