AB de Villiers Says ‘Winning IPL Is Incredibly Difficult’ On RCB’s IPL 2025 Title Hope

March 19, 2025: As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star AB de Villiers has emphasized the immense challenges of winning the coveted trophy. De Villiers, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s quest for glory over the years, highlighted that securing the IPL title is never easy, even with a team stacked with world-class talent.

“Winning the IPL is incredibly difficult,” de Villiers remarked in a recent interview. “There are 10 world-class teams that could even win a World Cup, let alone the IPL. It’s not just about talent. There are so many factors—travel fatigue, injuries, adapting to different conditions. The team that can maintain energy and momentum toward the back end of the tournament usually comes out on top.”

De Villiers, known for his brilliant batting and versatility on the field, has seen firsthand the pressure that builds throughout an IPL season. The mental toughness and consistency required to navigate through the competition’s highs and lows are critical, he believes.

The 18th Season: A New Hope for RCB

Despite the many hurdles, AB de Villiers expressed hope for RCB in the 2025 season, particularly with Virat Kohli leading the team. Kohli, wearing his iconic number 18 jersey, has been at the heart of RCB for years and remains a key figure in their ambitions to finally clinch the IPL title.

“I hope this is the year—the 18th season, with number 18 in the squad. If RCB lifts the trophy, I will be there celebrating with Virat!” de Villiers added with a sense of optimism. The friendship between de Villiers and Kohli, along with their shared dreams of winning the IPL, has always been one of the defining stories of RCB’s journey.

“Ee Sala Cup Namde”—A Playful Reminder

AB de Villiers also shared a lighter moment, recalling his infamous line, “Ee sala cup namde” (This time, the cup is ours), which has become a rallying cry for RCB fans over the years. However, his persistence with the phrase landed him in some friendly trouble with Kohli.

“I said ‘Ee sala cup namde’ the other day, and I got a direct message from Virat,” de Villiers said, laughing. “He told me, ‘Please, just stop doing that now.’ So, I got into a bit of trouble for that! To be fair, I am exhausted saying it all the time.”

Even though the phrase has become somewhat of a joke due to RCB’s repeated near-misses, de Villiers’ enthusiasm is a testament to his undying belief in the team. For RCB fans, it serves as a symbol of hope that one day, this could be the season when the cup finally comes home.

RCB’s Squad for IPL 2025: A Blend of Experience and Youth

As the IPL 2025 season begins, RCB’s squad looks promising. With a balanced lineup featuring seasoned players like Kohli and de Villiers, along with rising stars such as Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, and Liam Livingstone, the team is primed for a serious challenge. The squad is set to take on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their season opener on March 22.

In addition to the big names, RCB’s squad includes players like Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tim David, all adding depth to the team. This blend of experience and youth, alongside the leadership of Patidar and Kohli, makes RCB a team to watch this season.

The Road Ahead: A Long-Awaited Dream

Despite the challenging journey that lies ahead, AB de Villiers remains confident in RCB’s ability to finally win the IPL. “The team that can stay focused, adapt, and perform consistently will stand a chance to win. This is the year I believe RCB can do it,” he said.

As the tournament progresses, RCB’s loyal fanbase will be hoping that this is the season their long wait for the IPL trophy comes to an end. With de Villiers cheering them on from afar and Kohli leading the charge, RCB’s pursuit of the elusive title is one of the most exciting stories of IPL 2025.

The stage is set, the team is ready, and with a combination of belief and determination, RCB fans will once again chant, “Ee sala cup namde”—this time, hoping it’s more than just a slogan. It’s the beginning of something historic.