AB de Villiers Exposes Toxic Culture in Delhi Daredevils Era: ‘Poisonous Characters’ Hindered Success
In a candid revelation that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, South African batting maestro AB de Villiers has lifted the lid on his turbulent years with the now-rebranded Delhi Daredevils (currently Delhi Capitals) during the early days of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to Cricket.com, de Villiers described his stint from 2008 to 2010 as a bittersweet saga, marred by internal discord and a toxic dressing room environment.
‘There were a lot of poisonous characters in that team,’ de Villiers admitted, choosing not to name individuals but hinting at deep-seated issues within the squad. ‘I’d hate to burn bridges by pointing fingers, but let’s just say the Delhi Daredevils setup was in absolute shambles back then. It was a tough place to grow as a young cricketer.’
Despite the presence of cricketing giants like Glenn McGrath, Daniel Vettori, and Virender Sehwag, Delhi Daredevils failed to clinch the IPL title during de Villiers’ tenure, with their best performances being semi-final appearances in 2008 and 2009. De Villiers himself was a Consistent performer, notably amassing 465 runs in the 2009 season held in South Africa, at an impressive average of over 33. His explosive batting style was a highlight for fans, yet the team’s potential remained unfulfilled due to off-field disarray.
Reflecting on a particularly bitter moment, de Villiers recounted the shock of being dropped into the auction pool ahead of the 2011 IPL season. ‘I thought I was going to be the main man for Delhi,’ he shared. ‘I was told I’d be retained, and then, out of nowhere, I wasn’t playing. Next thing I knew, I was up for auction. The lack of communication and transparency was staggering. So many weird things happened behind closed doors.’ This unexpected move marked the end of his association with Delhi, paving the way for a legendary chapter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
While the Delhi chapter left a sour taste, de Villiers holds cherished memories of sharing the dressing room with some of the game’s finest. ‘Despite the chaos, some of the highlights of my career came during that time,’ he noted. ‘Learning from players like McGrath and Vettori—absolute legends—was invaluable. Those interactions shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.’
De Villiers’ fortunes transformed dramatically upon joining RCB in 2011, where he felt an immediate sense of belonging. ‘The day I walked into RCB, it was like they truly wanted me,’ he recalled. ‘They said, “You’re going to become a great player with us—you’re part of the family.” That warmth made all the difference.’ Over his illustrious RCB tenure, de Villiers became a fan favorite, smashing over 5,162 runs in 184 IPL matches at a staggering strike rate of 151.68, including 3 centuries and 40 fifties.
As one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen in cricket history, often nicknamed ‘Mr. 360’ for his ability to play shots all around the ground, de Villiers’ revelations offer a rare glimpse into the darker side of franchise cricket. His story serves as a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough—team culture and unity are just as crucial in the high-stakes world of the IPL.
Now retired from all forms of cricket since 2021, de Villiers’ legacy endures, but his latest comments raise questions about how far team dynamics have evolved in the IPL since those early, chaotic years. For Delhi Capitals, who have yet to win an IPL title despite reaching the final in 2020, this reflection from a former star might just be the nudge needed to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.