Ex-RCB legend AB de Villiers leaves wheelchair cricketers delighted with special appearance during practice - Watch

AB de Villiers joins wheelchair cricket team for practice session at Islam Gymkhana (PTI Photo)

Former South Africa and RCB legend AB de Villiers shared a memorable moment with the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team during a practice session at Islam Gymkhana, Marine Lines. In a touching gesture, De Villiers not only engaged with the players but also completely immersed himself in the experience by playing with them while seated in a wheelchair. As De Villiers praised the wheelchair athletes' skill and perseverance, the session was full with enthusiasm, humor, and respect for one another.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) plays with Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team during practice session at Islam Gymkhana, Marin Lines.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)#Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XdWm0x0vDJ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 31, 2025

In an effort to foster a sense of civic involvement, De Villiers spent the entire day volunteering throughout Mumbai as part of Project Mumbai.

De Villiers visited a BMC municipal school in Malabar Hill, where he played wheelchair cricket and picked up a paintbrush to help turn classrooms into lively, inviting places. This project was a component of Project Mumbai's SATRANG program, which uses public space beautification to promote civic pride and community involvement.

The former South African cricket player wrapped up his tour at the CSSC Centre, where he conducted a class on paper bag creation with disadvantaged kids.

Reflecting on the experience, De Villiers, who serves as Project Mumbai’s Brand Champion, said, "Mumbai has given me so much love over the years. Today, I wanted to give back not as a cricketer, but as a volunteer. There’s something truly powerful about working with others to make spaces better for children, for families, and for this incredible city."

Following their victory over Punjab Kings on Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru advanced to the IPL 2025 finals. De Villiers, who played for RCB, is optimistic that the team will win their first championship this year.

Speaking about the same he said: "I am very happy that RCB is in the final. Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good qualifier 2...I am very much looking forward to the finals and hopefully this will be the year for RCB."

#WATCH | Mumbai | On Royal Challengers Bengaluru progressing into the finals of IPL 2025, Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers says, "I am very happy that RCB is in the final. Mumbai Indians won last night and it is going to be a very good qualifier 2...I am very much pic.twitter.com/3yZ6Vf7Xyx ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2025

This is the fourth IPL final that RCB has advanced to, and the first since 2016. RCB awaits the outcome of the second qualifier between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. The final will take place at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, June 3.