Virat Kohli recently spoke about one of his most memorable moments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru during a Sun Pharma event. While many fans often link iconic RCB moments with Chris Gayle’s explosive batting, Kohli chose to highlight a different memory that involved AB de Villiers.
The former RCB captain spoke about an emotional moment on the field that showed the strong bond between teammates. According to Kohli, the moment was not just about cricket but also about the connection players share after spending many seasons together.
The Emotional Celebration Kohli Still Remembers
Kohli explained that while the team reaching a final remains a big memory, some smaller moments during matches stay in his mind even more.
One such moment came when RCB took a crucial wicket during a match. Kohli was fielding near the boundary rope while AB de Villiers was standing just outside the field.
When the wicket fell, both players celebrated with the same excitement even though they were in different positions. Kohli said it felt like they were sharing the same emotion from both sides of the boundary.
He said these celebrations show the strong unity inside the RCB team, where players have experienced victories, heartbreaks, and close losses together over the years.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Journey with RCB
Virat Kohli joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first IPL season in 2008. Over the years, he became the face of the franchise and one of the most consistent batters in the league.
One of his greatest seasons came in 2016 when he produced a record-breaking performance.
Kohli’s Notable IPL Seasons with RCB
| Season | Runs | Matches | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 973 | 16 | 81.08 | 152.03 | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 | 541 | 16 | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 464 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 639 | 14 | 53.25 | 139.82 | 2 | 6 |
Virat Kohli IPL Career with RCB
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 267+ | 8500+ | ~39 | 130+ | 8 | 63 |
Kohli has been one of the most loyal players in IPL history, representing only RCB since the tournament began.
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AB de Villiers’ Impact at Royal Challengers Bengaluru
AB de Villiers joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011 and quickly became one of the most loved players in the franchise.
His ability to play innovative shots and finish matches made him a key part of RCB’s batting lineup for many seasons.
AB de Villiers’ Notable IPL Seasons with RCB
| Season | Runs | Matches | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 312 | 10 | 34.66 | 144.44 | — | 2 |
| 2015 | 513 | 16 | 46.63 | 174.24 | 1 | 3 |
| 2016 | 687 | 16 | 52.84 | 168.79 | 1 | 6 |
AB de Villiers IPL Career with RCB
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156 | 4491 | 41.20 | 158.63 | 2 | 37 |
De Villiers played a major role in RCB reaching the IPL final in 2016. His partnership with Kohli during that season remains one of the most memorable batting collaborations in IPL history.
Kohli–De Villiers Bond Remains Special for RCB Fans
The partnership between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers created many iconic moments for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their chemistry on and off the field made them one of the most loved duos in the IPL.
Kohli’s recent comments show that some of his favorite memories are not only about big scores or records but also about emotional moments shared with teammates.
For many RCB supporters, the bond between Kohli and de Villiers remains one of the defining stories of the franchise’s IPL journey.
