Former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers spent a heartwarming and purposeful day in Mumbai as part of the “Project Mumbai” civic initiative. Currently in India to support Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their IPL 2025 playoff journey, de Villiers made the most of his time off the field by engaging in meaningful community service activities across the city.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 final—scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—de Villiers participated in Project Mumbai’s SATRANG initiative, which focuses on enhancing civic pride and improving public spaces through volunteerism. The day saw AB immersing himself in various outreach efforts, starting with a visit to the Islam Gymkhana at Marine Lines, where he joined the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team in a special practice session.
True to his inclusive spirit, de Villiers even took to a wheelchair himself, batting, running, and sharing moments with the team. The atmosphere was electric, with smiles all around and heartfelt applause from onlookers. Videos of the interaction quickly went viral, capturing de Villiers’ deep commitment to causes beyond the cricket pitch.
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The cricketer’s next stop was a BMC-run school in Malabar Hill, where he picked up a paintbrush and helped revamp classrooms. Later, he joined underprivileged children at the CSSC Centre for a paper bag-making session, using the moment to encourage sustainable practices and creative engagement.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) plays with Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team during practice session at Islam Gymkhana, Marin Lines.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)#Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XdWm0x0vDJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 31, 2025
Reflecting on the day, AB de Villiers shared his deep affection for the city. “Mumbai has given me so much love over the years. Today, I wanted to give back not as a cricketer, but as a volunteer,” he said. “There’s something truly powerful about working together to improve spaces for children, families, and the community.”
#WATCH | Mumbai | On Royal Challengers Bengaluru progressing into the finals of IPL 2025, Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers says, “I am very happy that RCB is in the final. Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good qualifier 2…I am very much… pic.twitter.com/3yZ6Vf7Xyx
— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2025
While off-field activities dominated his day, AB didn’t miss out on celebrating RCB’s march to the IPL 2025 final. The former captain expressed his joy over the team’s resurgence, especially after their dramatic win over Punjab Kings in the Eliminator. “I’m very happy that RCB is in the final,” he said. “Mumbai Indians won last night, and it’s going to be a fantastic Qualifier 2. I’m really looking forward to the finals and hopefully, this is the year for RCB.”
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RCB have reached the IPL final for the fourth time, their first appearance since 2016. Previously, they fell short in 2009 (vs. Deccan Chargers), 2011 (vs. CSK), and 2016 (vs. SRH). This time, they await the winner of MI vs PBKS for a shot at ending their title drought.
