New Delhi [India], December 7 (ANI): South African legend AB de Villiers stated that he is looking forward to seeing young Protea batters performing in the SA20 league and is eagerly waiting to watch Dewald Brevis play in the league.

Speaking exclusively in an interview with SA20, spoke on how the SA20 will change the dynamics of South African cricket and how the youngsters will flourish from having the experience of such a league in the country.

"I think that the SA20 comes at a really good time for South African cricket and we've seen the amazing things that these leagues have done to cricket in the particular nations, to give our youngsters the space and the foundation to get the exposure at the highest level against the best players in the world, is what it's all about. It's great to have the Indian people involved, the investors and some of the larger companies. I think there are a lot of young players that have come through in the last few years. I think of the very first up on my list, Dewald Brewis. Looking forward to watch him play and a few other youngsters that have performed really well," mentioned the former Protea captain.

Proteas legend AB de Villiers spoke about his experience in the IPL and how welcoming India was as a nation.

"So, my IPL journey started in 2008 and my first IPL here in 2008 was obviously a huge occasion for me and a lot of other players. The start of the IPL changed our lives and the people are really passionate about cricket, not only with the home team but they support other members or members in other teams as well. It tells a story about India as a nation, I think they have always been very welcoming to foreigners and they make you feel like you are one of them," expressed the South African on his experience of playing in India.

De Villiers spoke on who impacted him the most in his career over the years. He mentioned the likes of Glenn McGrath and Virat Kohli.

"The biggest thing that stands out for me is the people that l met over the years. I think the obvious ones, ViratKohli and my time with RCB and if I go a little bit further back I think of Glenn McGrath, spending with him. He was this hard guy and all of a sudden I'm sitting with him in the change room and having a beer with him after the game," shared de Villiers.

De Villiers further spoke on how Graham Smith has been instrumental in bringing the SA20 to fruition and said, "Graham and I have come a long way together, to have him right at the top of SA cricket now, making a lot of good calls, changing things usually. We see the SA20 coming up and I don't think that would be possible if it wasn't for him and all his connections, experience and knowledge. I think we all owe Graeme a huge thank you for bringing such a big tournament like this to SA and we are going to see SA cricket grow from strength to strength." (ANI)