Dewald Brevis

Dewald Brevis, often dubbed “Baby AB” for his stylistic resemblance to AB de Villiers, is a dynamic right-handed batter known for his aggressive stroke play and versatility in T20 cricket. Despite expressing discomfort with the nickname, Brevis has lived up to the hype with explosive performances across global T20 leagues and international youth cricket. A product of Johannesburg, he attended the same school as de Villiers and idolises the Proteas legend, emulating his 360-degree shot-making.

Brevis burst onto the scene at the 2022 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, where he broke Shikhar Dhawan’s record by scoring 506 runs, including two centuries and three fifties, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His domestic and franchise career has been equally impressive, with a record-breaking 162 off 57 balls in South Africa’s CSA T20 Challenge (2022) and consistent contributions in leagues like the IPL, SA20, CPL, and MLC. At 21, Brevis is a rising star with a bright future in international and franchise cricket.

Career Milestones

• International Debut: T20I for South Africa vs. Australia, Durban, August 30, 2023.
• U-19 World Cup 2022: Scored 506 runs, the highest in a single U-19 World Cup, breaking Shikhar Dhawan’s record of 505. Named Player of the Tournament.
• T20 Records:
  • Highest T20 score in South Africa: 162 off 57 balls (Titans vs. Knights, CSA T20 Challenge, October 31, 2022).
  • Fastest 150 in T20 cricket (52 balls, same innings).
  • Youngest South African to score a T20 century in men’s cricket.
• IPL Debut: 2022 for Mumbai Indians, signed for INR 3 crore after a bidding war.
• SA20 2025: Sixth-highest run-scorer with 291 runs at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 184.17, helping MI Cape Town win their first title.
• MLC 2023: Scored an unbeaten 41 off 33 in the second qualifier, aiding MI New York’s title win.
• CPL 2022: Hit five consecutive sixes in an over for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

IPL Journey

• 2022 (Mumbai Indians): Signed for INR 3 crore after a stellar U-19 World Cup. Played 7 matches, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 144.64, with a best of 49 off 25 balls vs. Punjab Kings. Showed promise with cameos like 29 off 19 on debut vs. Kolkata Knight Riders.
• 2024 (Mumbai Indians): Returned for 3 matches, adding 69 runs, including a notable 46 off 38 vs. Gujarat Titans. Took 1 wicket with his leg-spin.
• 2025 (Chennai Super Kings): Signed for INR 2.2 crore as a replacement for injured Gurjapneet Singh. Joined CSK mid-season to bolster their struggling middle order, bringing prior IPL experience and recent SA20 form (291 runs at 184.17 SR). Expected to provide firepower in the powerplay and middle overs alongside MS Dhoni and Devon Conway.

Strengths and Playing Style

• Batting: Brevis is a versatile middle-order batter capable of explosive power-hitting and anchoring innings. His ability to play 360-degree shots, including no-look sixes and lofted cover drives, draws comparisons to AB de Villiers. He excels against spin and can accelerate rapidly, with a T20 strike rate consistently above 130.
• Bowling: An occasional leg-spinner, Brevis has bowled sparingly but shown potential, taking 1 wicket in the IPL and contributing in domestic games.
• Fielding: An agile fielder with safe hands, Brevis has taken stunning catches, like a notable stunner in SA20 2025.
• Adaptability: Can bat anywhere from opener to No. 6, switching between aggressive and pragmatic approaches based on the situation.

Personal Life

• Family: Father, Jack Brevis; mother, Yolanda Brevis; older brother, Reinard Brevis.
• Education: Attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria, the same school as AB de Villiers.
• Interests: A self-professed foodie, Brevis loves butter chicken, a nod to his time with Mumbai Indians. He’s vocal about his admiration for de Villiers, citing him as a batting inspiration.

Why He’s a Player to Watch

At just 21, Dewald Brevis combines raw power, technical finesse, and a fearless approach, making him a T20 superstar in the making. His record-breaking U-19 World Cup performance, coupled with standout knocks in high-pressure leagues like the IPL and SA20, highlights his potential to dominate global cricket.

With CSK in IPL 2025, Brevis has a golden opportunity to learn from MS Dhoni and cement his reputation as a clutch performer. His versatility, fielding brilliance, and occasional spin make him a complete package for modern T20 cricket.