Shreevats Goswami backs South Africa as 2027 World Cup favourites

The countdown to the 2027 ODI World Cup has already begun, and former India wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami has thrown an early spotlight on the teams he believes will shape the tournament. With the event set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the stage is already loaded with intrigue, pressure and history.

South Africa backed to lead the pack

Goswami has placed South Africa at the top of his contenders list, calling them the No. 1 side for the tournament. That call carries extra weight because the Proteas have long been one of cricket’s most dangerous teams in global events, yet the ODI World Cup title remains absent from their cabinet.

South Africa’s record in World Cups has often been defined by strong squad balance, pace depth and knockout-stage appearances, but the final step has continued to elude them. With the 2027 edition taking place partly on home soil, the pressure and opportunity will arrive together.

As Goswami put it on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, South Africa are the side to beat. For a team that has repeatedly flirted with greatness, the next World Cup could be their clearest chance yet to finally end decades of heartbreak.

Why the Proteas feel like a serious threat

The conditions in southern Africa are expected to suit pace bowling, athletic fielding and aggressive one-day cricket. South Africa have historically thrived when they can build momentum early, and a home advantage across familiar venues may add another layer to their challenge.

There is also the emotional weight of unfinished business. Every World Cup cycle seems to ask the same question: can South Africa convert potential into silverware? The 2027 tournament may offer the most realistic answer in years.

“South Africa for me are the No.1 side for the World Cup,” Goswami said, underlining how highly he rates their chances.

India placed second in Goswami’s list

India were Goswami’s second pick, and that assessment is hardly surprising given their recent consistency in ICC events. The Men in Blue have built a reputation for depth, quality batting and a competitive bowling attack that can adapt to most conditions.

What makes India especially compelling in 2027 is the emotional sub-plot around two modern greats. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, if they are still part of the setup, could be chasing one final World Cup run. Goswami believes that motivation will matter.

He suggested both senior players would be “pumped and motivated” to finish their international journeys on a high. That kind of narrative can transform a tournament, especially when it involves proven match-winners with enormous big-stage experience.

The Kohli-Rohit factor could define India’s campaign

Few players in world cricket have carried India’s white-ball hopes for as long as Kohli and Rohit. Their presence would not just add runs, but also calm, leadership and the sort of tournament know-how that often separates finalists from nearly-men.

If 2027 is indeed their last World Cup, it would create one of the most emotional storylines of the event. India’s challenge will be to balance that sentiment with ruthless execution when the pressure peaks.

“For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, this could be their last World Cup,” Goswami noted, adding that they would be highly motivated to finish on a high.

New Zealand remain the dark horse

Goswami also made sure to include New Zealand among the teams no one should ignore. That warning will sound familiar to cricket fans. The Black Caps have earned a reputation for punching above their weight in World Cup cricket, often outlasting more fancied opponents through discipline and clarity.

Even when they do not enter a tournament as the loudest favourites, New Zealand tend to stay relevant deep into the competition. Their calm approach and ability to manage pressure make them an uncomfortable opponent for any side.

In a 14-team format, where momentum can swing quickly and early results matter more than ever, that kind of consistency could again prove decisive.

World Cup build-up already taking shape

The build-up to 2027 is not just about predictions. Teams are already using the current international calendar to prepare, assess combinations and fine-tune their plans. India’s next ODI assignment comes against West Indies in a three-match series at home, beginning on Sunday, September 27, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

That series gives India another opportunity to maintain rhythm and sharpen their 50-over game. For a side with World Cup ambitions, every bilateral contest carries a wider purpose now.

South Africa, meanwhile, are already into a tough home series against Australia. They have taken a 1-0 lead after a 67-run win in the opening ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, a result that will only add confidence to their campaign mood.

A tournament already loaded with storylines

With South Africa chasing a maiden title, India carrying veteran ambition and New Zealand lurking as proven spoilers, the 2027 ODI World Cup is shaping up as a compelling contest before a ball has even been bowled. Namibia’s debut as a host venue adds another fresh layer to a tournament built on firsts, pressure and long-awaited chances.

For now, Goswami’s prediction has set the tone early. South Africa may have the home advantage, India may have the emotional edge, and New Zealand may once again have the timing. As the road to 2027 unfolds, the debate over the favourite is only just beginning.