AB de Villiers has revealed a disturbing anecdote about being released by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise before the 2011 IPL season. AB de Villiers claimed that he has been advised by the franchise that he will be retained for the next edition. He was astonished, however, when the franchise released him a few weeks later.
AB de Villiers was part of Delhi Daredevils in the first three editions of the Indian Premier League. He was part of the team before getting released by ultimately being picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2011 auction.
It Came As A Surprise When I Learnt I Was Released: AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers detailed on his YouTube channel how he was released by the Delhi Daredevils despite being assured of a contract extension.
“I got called into the office and was told – ‘you are going to get retained young AB de Villiers’. So it came as a surprise when I learnt I was released, a few weeks later. Communication wasn’t great back then,” De Villiers said.
The right-handed batsman also highlighted how RCB chose him in the IPL 2011 auction due to his great international performance. He also remarked that being selected by the RCB forever impacted his life.
“A lot of doubts crept up in my mind but I kept playing good cricket in internationals. Luckily for me, the auction happened and I got picked up by RCB. It changed my life forever, so great memories,” de Villiers further said.
De Villiers also had a strong showing for the Delhi Daredevils in his first three IPL seasons. However, the team parted ways with him owing to the mega auction in 2011. Villiers joined RCB in the IPL in 2011, and the team made it to the finals, finishing as runners-up.
He was retained with RCB till his retirement from all forms of cricket following the 2021 IPL. Along with Virat Kohli, with whom he has a friendly friendship, the South African legend became a poster boy for RCB.
