South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has joined AI-powered cricket technology platform Kabuni as a super coach, marking another major step in the company’s expansion into India’s rapidly growing sports-tech and grassroots cricket ecosystem.
The former Proteas captain joins an elite coaching roster that already includes former India skipper Sourav Ganguly and ex-Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, as Kabuni continues building a globally recognised coaching and development platform powered by artificial intelligence and performance analytics.
Kabuni combines AI, biomechanics, motion capture, and real-time tracking technology to deliver personalised coaching insights for young cricketers. The platform is designed to bridge the gap between elite-level expertise and grassroots development by transforming traditional cricket coaching into a more data-driven and accessible experience.
The partnership comes ahead of Kabuni’s upcoming India showcase initiative, which will include a nationwide tournament for players aged 12 to 16 beginning in June 2026. The competition is expected to provide aspiring cricketers with an opportunity to earn selection into AB de Villiers’ team while gaining exposure to advanced player development tools and high-performance coaching systems.
Speaking about the partnership, de Villiers said, “Cricket has always been about expression for me – finding new ways to solve problems and push the limits of what’s possible. What Kabuni is building is incredibly exciting because it gives young players a platform to explore their game, trust their instincts, and develop in a way that feels natural to them.”
Kabuni Founder and CEO Nimesh Patel added, “AB de Villiers is one of the most special players cricket has ever seen. His ability to reimagine the game and perform under pressure aligns beautifully with what we’re building at Kabuni,” a platform that empowers players not just technically, but creatively and mentally.
“With AB on board, we’re taking another massive step towards redefining how the next generation learns and experiences the sport.”
The agreement also underlines the accelerating convergence of sports technology, athlete education, and fan-driven youth engagement, particularly in India, where cricket development platforms are becoming an increasingly competitive commercial space.
