We're going to defend this fortress: Kagiso Rabada on playing 2027 ODI World Cup at home
New Delhi, August 9
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada believes his team will not face any additional pressure when they play on home soil at next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
South Africa will co-host the upcoming 50-over World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, and Rabada is looking forward to the tournament, according to the ICC.
His confidence is boosted by a South African side that has shown strong consistency across formats in recent years, highlighted by their ICC World Test Championship triumph at Lord's in 2025.
While the team's improved performances have raised expectations around the Proteas, Rabada remains confident that the added attention will not translate into extra pressure when the World Cup gets underway next year.
"Well, I think there's a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it," Rabada told the ICC at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg recently.
"It's almost like freedom as well. I don't feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it. It's almost like, we're at home and we're going to defend this fortress. And that's what it means to me. It's about representing the badge," the right-arm seamer said, as quoted by ICC.
Rabada continues to draw inspiration from Pakistan great Wasim Akram's iconic spell in the 1992 Cricket World Cup final against England at the MCG.
Akram's match-winning performance helped Pakistan turn the game around and secure their maiden World Cup title. Rabada would now like to produce a similar match-defining performance for South Africa when they host the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
"One World Cup moment from the past that I'll never forget, because I'm a bowler, I'm going to go to the bowlers' club, was Wasim Akram against England in the final," Rabada said.
"Him just cleaning up (the stumps) and putting on a show to take it home for his country and showing the passion and the skill. He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him that he was there to play," he added as quoted by ICC.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Defend this fortress" - love that mindset! But honestly, South Africa's history in World Cups has been a rollercoaster. They keep choking in knockouts. I hope Rabada's positive energy breaks that curse. Would love to see them lift the trophy at home in front of their passionate fans. Cricket needs a new champion!
Rabada mentioning Wasim Akram's 1992 spell - proper respect for the legends! That's exactly the kind of inspiration young bowlers need. South Africa's pace attack with Rabada leading could be lethal in home conditions. But India's batting lineup is ready for any challenge. Bring on 2027! 💪
While I admire Rabada's confidence, I think South Africa might be underestimating the pressure of hosting. Remember how even India struggled initially in 2023? Home expectations can be a double-edged sword. Still, with their current form, they're definitely among the top contenders. Should be a cracking tournament!
"Freedom" mentality is exactly what makes champions. Rabada's right - playing at home should feel like an advantage, not a burden. South Africa's commitment to all formats has been inspiring lately. I hope they finally get their maiden World Cup title in 2027! 🙌
Great perspective from Rabada, but let's be honest - South Africa's track record in ICC events has been terrible. They've made many semifinals but never won a World Cup. Talk is cheap; we need to see them perform when it matters
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