- July 29, 2025
Every cricket lover has heard or seen AB de Villiers (a.k.a. the 360-degree genius, RCB legend, and the man who could turn any delivery into a boundary) by now. While there is no debate that AB is a tremendous cricket machine, what has gone viral, however, is a wholesome moment that he had during an interview. Upon being introduced as “one of India’s most loved non-Indians,” ABD chuckled and replied, “What do you mean by non-Indian? I am Indian.”
“I Am Indian”: More Than Just a Viral Quote
It was a simple statement. But in a nation where cricket’s religion and the players are gods, ABD’s words meant something. He wasn’t talking about citizenship or passports; he was talking about a love letter to a country that has accepted him like one of its own.
AB de Villiers has never played international cricket for India, yet somehow, he feels he is more Indian than many foreign players have ever felt. He videos are dubbed in Hindi on YouTube, he remembers the Holi and Diwali wishes he made for fans, and he even says “Chalo India!” with genuine excitement. That’s not a PR exercise, that’s the result of over a decade of respect, chemistry, and shared memories while playing cricket together—especially with one man: Virat Kohli.
More Than Teammates: The Soul-Deep Connection Between ABD & Virat
RCB gave fans the gift of watching two cricketing icons build one of the strongest batting partnerships in IPL history. But it was their off-field friendship that won hearts.
When Kohli walked away from Tests, AB didn’t just applaud—he saluted a warrior who turned cricket into theatre. “I’m just really happy for him. This reflects AB’s respect for Kohli.
And to state the obvious, ABD was in the stands of Narendra Modi Stadium when RCB lifted their first IPL trophy earlier this year, celebrating with the team as an older brother would, sharing that dream they had waited so long to see realized. His commitment transcends statistics or trophies; it flows deeper than that to the franchise—and India.
Still Smashing It: WCL 2025 & The Legend Lives On
Done with international cricket? Yes. Out of form? Not.
AB de Villiers is currently captaining the South Africa champions at the World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025)—a T20 tournament with retired legends from India, England, Pakistan, Australia, and the West Indies. And who’s at the top of the runs table? You guessed it: the same guy who said, “I am Indian.”
With 182 runs from just 3 games—including a mind-blowing 116* off 51 against the England Champions—ABD isn’t just back on the field, he’s rewriting the script. The South Africa Champions are second on the table with three wins from four games, and if this form continues, they could go all the way.
The fact that a man who retired in 2021 can still bat like he’s 25? Just another reason why fans—Indian or otherwise—can’t stop loving him.
AB de Villiers might not have been born in India, but to millions of fans, he’s as Indian as cricket and a cup of chai on a rainy day. When he exclaimed “I am Indian” in the WCL 2025, it felt authentic, humble, and deeply emotional— just as he is in every way.
In a time when sports feel transactional, AB de Villiers reminds us of something beautifully human—you don’t have to wear a national jersey to belong.
