Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) players AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle have become the first members of the franchise Hall of Fame. De Villiers and Gayle made a lasting impact, not only for the team but for the entire Indian Premier League (IPL), during their respective stints.
An evening that began with the Director of Cricket operations for RCB, Mike Hesson announcing that two special members of the RCB family were going to get inducted into the hall of fame and ended with the beloved duo making a virtual appearance, had everything from a hit of nostalgia to emotions running high in the RCB camp. A video montage rushed everyone back in time as the best moments from the careers of the two RCB legends played in the team room. AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle are the first two inductees into the RCB Hall of Fame.
A special player who touched every RCB and cricket fan alike with his genius, his brilliance and most of all his lovable nature. ❤️
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 17, 2022
The first inductee to the #RCBHallOfFame, @ABdeVilliers17. ?#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2022 #Mission2022 #RCB #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/NV5g7biRDC
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It was another RCB legend himself Virat Kohli who would announce the inductions of his two dear mates over the years to loud cheers that reverberated around the RCB team room. “AB has truly changed the game of cricket with his innovation, brilliance, and sportsmanship which truly defines the RCB Play Bold philosophy,” said Virat Kohli. “It’s truly special for me to be doing this for both of you. We saw videos of how you have changed the way the IPL has been played over the years. Two people who have had a huge impact in IPL being where it is today; and RCB being where it is today,” he added.
A player who personified power hitting, a thorough entertainer and one of the best T20 batters ever to grace the game. ??
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 17, 2022
THE UNIVERSE BOSS also enters the #RCBHallOfFame. ?❤️#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2022 #Mission2022 #RCB #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/pviaWpy6wK
“Virat, thanks for the kind words. Mike, Nikhil, and everyone from the franchise who set this up, it’s a really special touch. We had some amazing times together as a team, and the sun has moved on for Chris and I now, but we’re still very much part of the family and will always be. So yes, thank you very much for the very special touch. Faf and the guys sitting there, Virat and the guys who have known me for many years know how special stuff like this is to me. You guys know how much of an amazing journey I had during the IPL, especially with my RCB family, and how it changed my life. So, huge privilege to be part of this. I don’t have enough words to thank you for this touch,”
“I want to thank the RCB family for the opportunity, for everything,” said the Universe boss. “It’s been really special to me as well. And to be inducted is something fantastic, and I will always keep RCB close to my heart. I share a lot of memories with some special players, and some special coaches as well. It’s been really, really fantastic. I wish I was there to give this speech and look into you guys’ eyes and tell you exactly how I feel. AB mentioned it’s gonna be emotional as well because it’s very touching for such a franchise that has been created over the years, it’s really, really fantastic. And to Virat, thank you for the kind words as well, fantastic sharing the dressing room with you guys as well,” he concluded as he wished the team the best for the rest of the season.
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