Archive · 3 Oct 2026
De Villiers Says 2027 World Cup Can Inspire South Africa
AB de Villiers thinks the 2027 cricket World Cup could encourage young people in South Africa to play cricket.
He said the 2003 tournament helped inspire him when he was 19.
South Africa will host the next tournament with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
De Villiers hopes South Africa’s team plays well, and he praised its team spirit.
He also said India has many talented players, partly because the IPL gives players a strong platform.
He praised young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi but said he should learn to adjust his game to different matches and conditions.
De Villiers hopes the young player may one day play all forms of cricket.
AB de Villiers said the 2027 World Cup could inspire a new generation of South African cricketers.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are scheduled to co-host the tournament from October 2 to November 21, 2027.
De Villiers recalled how the 2003 World Cup influenced him as a young aspiring cricketer.
He praised South Africa’s team culture and recent run of six consecutive ODI series wins against Australia.
De Villiers said the IPL has helped build India’s talent depth and urged Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to adapt his game to different situations.
- Who
- Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers discussed the 2027 World Cup, South Africa’s team, Indian cricket and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- De Villiers said the tournament could inspire young South African cricketers and that South Africa would be good hosts.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for October 2 to November 21, 2027.
- Where
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host the tournament.
- Why
- De Villiers drew on the influence the 2003 World Cup had on his own early cricket journey and said the 2027 event could similarly inspire young players.
De Villiers’ outlook
Challenges he identified
South Africa’s prospects
De Villiers’ outlook
De Villiers said South Africa’s team has strong chemistry, a good culture and players capable of winning matches, and he hopes they perform well at home.
Challenges he identified
He noted that South Africa did not win the 2003 tournament and urged the team to stay focused amid the attention and hype surrounding the 2027 event.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s development
De Villiers’ outlook
De Villiers praised Sooryavanshi’s talent and said he would like to see him play across formats, including Test cricket.
Challenges he identified
He said Sooryavanshi must keep developing his game, adapt to different conditions and formats, and assess each match rather than always trying to attack.
- Tournament
- 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup
- Dates
- October 2 to November 21, 2027
- Co-hosts
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
- South Africa’s past hosting
- The region last hosted the tournament in 2003
- De Villiers’ connection
- He recalled that the 2003 tournament influenced him as a 19-year-old aspiring cricketer.
- South Africa’s recent record
- De Villiers said the team had won six consecutive ODI series against Australia.
- India
- De Villiers credited the IPL with helping create a deep pool of Indian talent.