Practice Session Amazement: AB de Villiers, RCB Icon, Thrills Wheelchair Cricketers with Surprise Visit in Mumbai
South African cricket legend AB de Villiers recently lent his support to Mumbai's community initiatives, focusing on inclusion and civic engagement through Project Mumbai.
On May 31, 2025, de Villiers engaged in a series of activities throughout Mumbai, emphasizing support for people with disabilities and underprivileged children. An essential part of his participation was joining the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team at the Islam Gymkhana in Marine Lines. De Villiers, known for his innovative 360-degree batting style, sat in a wheelchair to play alongside the athletes, fostering an environment of enthusiasm, humor, and mutual respect.
He also visited a BMC municipal school in Malabar Hill, where he helped brighten classrooms with his paintbrush as part of Project Mumbai’s SATRANG program. The day concluded at the CSSC Centre, where de Villiers participated in a workshop on paper bag creation with disadvantaged children, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning and self-sufficiency.
Throughout the day, de Villiers demonstrated his commitment to improving spaces for children, families, and the wider community, reflecting, “Mumbai has given me so much love over the years. Today, I wanted to give back not as a cricketer, but as a volunteer.”
As a Brand Champion for Project Mumbai, de Villiers brought attention to wheelchair cricket and the broader goals of Project Mumbai’s programs, inspiring both participants and spectators through his genuine enthusiasm and dedication to volunteering.
Meanwhile, de Villiers’ former franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), made history by advancing to the IPL 2025 final after a decisive 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. The final match is scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. De Villiers, eagerly looking forward to the match, expressed his excitement, stating, "I am very happy that RCB is in the final."
AB de Villiers, in his role as Brand Champion for Project Mumbai, not only supported sports like wheelchair cricket but also extended his influence to areas such as education and community development. During his visit to a BMC municipal school in Malabar Hill, he participated in the SATRANG program, using his artistic talents to brighten classrooms.
Outside the realm of sports, de Villiers demonstrated a keen interest in social issues. On May 31, 2025, he showcased his dedication to the underprivileged and people with disabilities, joining the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team and engaging in activities that fostered an environment of mutual respect.
While de Villiers was devoted to making a difference in Mumbai, his love for sports, especially cricket, remained undiminished. As Brand Champion, his presence in the IPL 2025 sparked excitement for the final match, which his former franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was to play on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Bollywood and sports analysis may have distinct spheres, but de Villiers' day in Mumbai exemplified how they could intersect. His involvement in community initiatives combined elements of civic engagement, sportsmanship, and humanitarianism, demonstrating the power of sports in fostering change beyond the playing field.
