EXCLUSIVE | Corbin Bosch carrying on his father's World Cup legacy as Proteas gear up for 2026 T20 World Cup

MANY were not mindful of what being in South Africa's squad for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka would mean for Corbin Bosch. 

Of course, any young cricketer dreams of playing in a World Cup and winning it. About 80% of South Africa's squad could resonate with the preceding sentiment, including Bosch.

However, to an extent, the hunger and pride to play in a World Cup carries a little more weight for the Proteas' second generation superstar.

Bosch turns 32 later this year, a year younger than what his father, Tertius Bosch, was when he sadly passed away over two decades ago, leaving his wife and two sons behind, including Eathan Bosch.

Tertius Bosch played in the 1992 World Cup, South Africa's first showpiece event post isolation, an achievement that Corbin and his younger brother cherish to this day. 

Corbin, as he is set to earn his maiden World Cup cap in India and Sri Lanka over the next few weeks, told Independent Media that it means a lot to him that he will share such a prestigious achievement with his late father, representing South Africa at a World Cup. 

"It's incredibly special to be a part of any World Cup. I think it means that much more to me. Obviously, my dad representing South Africa in 1992," Bosch told Independent Media.

"I think for me, it's another tick in the box that I've done something that my dad's done. So, I'm incredibly proud and honoured to be a part of the team."

The Proteas return to the Men's T20 World Cup with more than beliefe that they can improve from their last campaing.

Their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign was a thrilling, nerve-shredding journey. They remained unbeaten, winning several heart-stopping, close matches to reach their first-ever final. While their dream ended with defeat to India in Barbados, their resilience and team spirit won the nation's admiration.

Bosch added that winning the showpiece event would go far in terms of uniting the country.

"I think it will be incredibly special to be a part of the team that hopefully brings home this trophy for South Africa," Bosch said. 

"I think it's something that will definitely unite the country and put cricket on the map, especially as South Africans, and prove that we can do anything, even though we fight a lot of adversity back home.

"It would mean that we can unite the country and do something really, really special and show that we are an incredible force when it comes to international cricket."

Bosch and his teammates will play a warm-up match against India in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, ahead of their World Cup opener against Canada in Ahmedabad on Monday, February.