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The one face that is badly being missed by the entire Royal Challengers Bangalore contingent including Virat Kohli as well as the loyal RCB fan base is that of AB de Villiers. The former South Africa international was a huge name in that batting order and while Bangalore remain pretty much in contention for a place in the Playoffs, he could have been the difference at least in a few games where they were let down by their batters.
In a video that has now been shared by the franchise on their social media, former RCB skipper Virat Kohli said that he misses De Villiers and spoke about the possibility of his potential reunion with the team after the Proteas star announced retirement from all forms of cricket.
"I miss him a lot. I speak to him regularly, quite regularly. He keeps messaging me," Kohli told Mr Nags in the video.
"He was in the US recently watching golf. Augusta Masters is what I heard it was called. So he told me he was there experiencing it with his friends and family," he added.
"So we stay in touch and he's very keenly watching RCB and hopefully here next year in some capacity," Kohli stated hinting that ABD could be in the Bangalore camp but in some other role.
In his IPL career spanning 184 matches, De Villiers scored 5162 runs at an average of 39.71 and a strike rate of 151.69. He has 3 hundreds to his name along with 40 half-centuries. For his range of strokes that went to every corner of the ground, he was nicknamed "Mr 360."
Surely his presence would be a big boost to Bangalore if he joins them next stage with several youngsters and even experienced cricketers getting to learn from one of the greatest innovative shot-maker in the game who did it with so much success.
In IPL 2022, Bangalore are currently at the fourth position with 7 wins and 5 defeats from 12 matches. They will take on Punjab Kings next on Friday.