Sun Jun 01 12:32:45 UTC 2025: **RCB’s Former Star AB de Villiers Breaks Promise as Team Reaches IPL 2025 Final**

**Bengaluru, India** – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are heading to the IPL 2025 final after a dominant victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS), and amidst the excitement, a former RCB icon has confessed to a lighthearted transgression. AB de Villiers revealed he broke a promise made to Virat Kohli by uttering RCB’s famous catchphrase, “Ee Saala Cup Namde” (“This year, the cup will be ours”).

The phrase, which has become synonymous with RCB’s fervent hopes and repeated near-misses, was apparently off-limits for de Villiers this season. He blamed his slip-up on mischievous influences, stating on Star Sports, “Yeah, it wasn’t my fault. The guys are rude over here, man. They’re setting traps for me.”

De Villiers and Kohli shared a strong bond during their 11 years together at RCB, experiencing the heartbreak of two final defeats, most notably a close loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.

This year, under the guidance of coach Andy Flower and with Rajat Patidar as captain, RCB has found a winning formula. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat highlighted the success of the auction strategy and Flower’s evolved coaching style in creating a player-driven environment, as key factors in the team’s resurgence. “We share the principle that we would like our players to walk onto the field and make their own decisions,” Bobat said. “Creating a sort of environment where people feel safe, where they feel backed…that’s the key bit.”

As RCB prepares for the final, fans are hopeful that “Ee Saala Cup Namde” will finally become a reality.

Read More