AB de Villiers Reveals Virat Kohli’s Emotional Plea Before Retirement: “He Tried…” But the RCB Legend Had Already Made Up His Mind

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon AB de Villiers has shared an emotional story from the final chapter of his cricket career, revealing that Virat Kohli tried to persuade him to continue playing franchise cricket before his retirement in 2021.

The South African batting great, who enjoyed a remarkable partnership with Kohli during their years at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said the former RCB captain made a genuine effort to convince him to reconsider. However, by that point, de Villiers had already decided it was the right time to walk away from professional cricket.

Speaking during the TOI Sports’ Bombay Sports Exchange Podcast, de Villiers admitted that Kohli did not want to see him leave the game.

“Yes. He tried,” de Villiers said when asked whether Kohli attempted to stop him from retiring.

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A decision that wasn’t made overnight

According to de Villiers, retirement had been on his mind long before he officially announced it. After stepping away from international cricket in 2018, he continued playing in franchise tournaments around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), England’s T20 Blast, and Australia’s Big Bash League.

The veteran batter explained that this phase allowed him to strike a balance between cricket and spending valuable time with his family while travelling across different countries.

Reflecting on his journey, de Villiers said he had retired from international cricket exactly when he wanted to, after memorable home series victories against India and Australia. He then chose to extend his playing career only in T20 leagues before eventually feeling that the time had come to step away completely.

The conversation with Virat Kohli

De Villiers revealed that the thought of retirement stayed with him throughout his final season in franchise cricket. Once he was certain of his decision, he approached Kohli personally and informed him that his playing days were over.

The emotional conversation marked the end of one of the most celebrated partnerships in IPL history. While Kohli hoped his close friend and teammate would continue, de Villiers had already reached peace with his decision.

Their bond, built over years at RCB, remains one of the strongest friendships in world cricket, with both players frequently speaking highly of each other even after retirement.

A legacy that continues beyond cricket

Although de Villiers retired from professional cricket in 2021, his impact on the game continues to inspire fans worldwide. Known for his innovative stroke play and match-winning performances, the former South African superstar remains one of the most loved overseas players in IPL history.

His latest revelation once again highlights the mutual respect and friendship shared with Virat Kohli—one that extended far beyond the cricket field.