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Bangalore
After a lot of speculation over a period of one year, legendary cricketer AB de Villiers finally confirmed his return to the Bangalore franchise in the next edition of the Indian T20 League. The former South Africa skipper also announced that 2023 will also mark the return of Chris Gayle in Bangalore.
However, these two legendary cricketers will not be seen playing for the franchise but may take up different roles to help Bangalore win their very first Indian T20 League title. Amidst this, reports claim how De Villiers came to Bangalore to help the franchise before the mini-auction in December. All the franchises are asked to submit their final list of retained players before November 15 and thus, De Villiers flew down from South Africa to help Bangalore management with it.
“It’s true. Not just me but Chris Gayle, aka 'Universe Boss' will be cheering for our boys at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for their first match in Indian T20 League 2023,” said De Villiers while speaking on his YouTube channel.
It will be emotional coming back to Chinnaswamy: De Villiers
With head coach Sanjay Bangar and Director of Cricket Operation Mike Hesson likely to retain their positions, De Villiers is likely to take up the role of a mentor in the team. After finishing third last season, the aim will be to fill the gaps and the South African stalwart can definitely help the franchisee find the right talent. With that, the former cricketer also wants to meet the Bangalore crowd as he couldn’t bid a proper goodbye the last time.
“I have had a fantastic run with Bangalore, and it will be emotional coming back to Chinnaswamy. And my official retirement, I never had the opportunity to say goodbye to my fans. I am looking forward to it. But hopefully, I'm joining the Banglaore team in whatever capacity and will be there. I will be there with Bangalore in Indian T20 League 2023, and he will be joining Bangalore in March,” the cricketer added in the same video.