Veteran South African player AB de Villiers picked the best Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side that he played in during his time in the IPL. De Villiers was roped in by the franchise way back in 2011 and spent 11 seasons with them till 2021 as well. AB de Villiers said that the 2011 squad was the best RCB side he played in as well.

On the ‘Beard Before Wicket’ podcast, he said, “Difficult to say. Chris Gayle arrived there, played a big role, and had a big impact. I think RCB in 2011, we had a good side and made the final but didn’t win it. From the other sides I think CSK with Dhoni in his heyday was tough to beat, especially at the Chepauk stadium. Going there was always tough. Never comfortable out there. You always felt like MS had one on you. One step ahead of everyone with his moves, his aura, his presence. That CSK side when they won back-to-back was tough to play against. Jaddu, and Ashwin, and Raina was pumping.”

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Meanwhile, AB de Villiers also credited RCB for backing him throughout the years as well. He also recalled how he did not have a great time at the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) where he played three seasons from 2008 to 2010, before he joined RCB as well.

“I was accepted and backed (at RCB). I didn’t feel like that at Delhi, first three years. In and out of the side. No one’s fault. I hadn’t proven myself at that point. But I arrived at RCB and I was told you’re going to play. You are one of our main dudes. We don’t care what’s happened in the past, you are a main guy. Players are insecure sometimes, and we want to feel backed. I felt backed. Beautiful city, great stadium. It just worked,” AB de Villiers concluded.