Dewald Brevis, a dynamic South African batter, has risen rapidly in T20 cricket, known for explosive performances and a striking resemblance to AB de Villiers.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) unfolds each season with dramatic twists and high-energy contests, blending global superstars with emerging domestic talents. In the current year, Chennai Super Kings face adversity as injuries sideline key players Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurjapneet Singh. Responding swiftly, the franchise secures South African batting prodigy Dewald Brevis for ₹2.2 crore to bolster their lineup. Brevis stands out as a rare talent, hailing from Johannesburg, where his right-handed batting style—spiced with occasional leg-spin—has captivated fans worldwide. Nicknamed “Baby AB” due to his uncanny resemblance to AB de Villiers, Brevis admits the comparison flatters but feels slightly uneasy with the label. His breakthrough arrived during the 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup, where he amassed 506 runs and claimed the Player of the Tournament award, catapulting him into the global spotlight. In the SA20 league, Brevis represents Pretoria Capitals, purchased for R16.5 million, positioning him as a player to watch this season. As reported, Dewald Brevis follows Christianity, and he has never publicly discussed his religious beliefs or caste online or elsewhere. Born into a close-knit family in Johannesburg, Brevis’s path to cricketing fame began in his own backyard. His father, Jack Brevis, went above and beyond by constructing a private cricket pitch so Dewald and his older brother, Reinard, could train together daily. Sibling rivalry and shared dreams turned their backyard into a mini training camp. Yet the family’s dedication extended beyond technique—his mother, Yolanda, stepped in as his bowling partner when Reinard couldn’t join, ensuring Dewald maintained his rhythm. She also stitched shirts for him, replicating AB de Villiers’ style, nurturing his ambition long before the world took notice. Dewald Brevis’s brother, Reinard Brevis, is older, though details about him remain scarce online. He has no sisters. Brevis wears jersey number 17, a tribute to his idol, AB de Villiers, who wore the same number in his debut for South Africa. Off the field, Brevis shares a committed, long-term relationship with Lindy Maree, a partnership that has flourished over roughly four years. Their affectionate bond—visible through shared social media posts ranging from selfies to celebration snapshots—has earned them recognition as one of cricket’s rising power couples. Lindy has consistently stood by him through challenges, and her growing social media presence reflects her supportive role beside the young star. Media coverage often highlights their story, portraying them as a couple deeply rooted in love and loyalty. Financially, Dewald Brevis boasts a net worth of approximately ₹16.6 crores, generated through multiple income streams, primarily from T20 leagues such as IPL, SA20, CPL, MLC, and domestic match fees. He competes for teams including Titans (SA20), MI Cape Town, and Hampshire. In SA20, his annual earnings typically range from ₹50–80 lakhs, depending on team and performance. During the 2025 IPL season, Chennai Super Kings signed him as a replacement for ₹2.2 crore, underscoring his rising value in T20 cricket. He holds the distinction of being the highest-paid cricketer in SA20 after Pretoria Capitals acquired him for R16.50 million. His name was included in South Africa’s Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe, marking his Test debut and signaling a fresh chapter in his international career. Brevis rose to fame in T20Is by smashing an unbeaten 125 against Australia, the highest individual score by a South African batter in T20Is and the highest individual score in T20Is on Australian soil. This innings featured 12 fours and 8 sixes. Though still early in his career, Brevis has already delivered extraordinary feats. His batting blends technique with fearless intent, raw power, and flair. His T20 journey has been particularly electrifying. Let’s revisit a defining moment. In October 2022, playing for Titans against Knights in a domestic T20 match, Brevis delivered one of the most breathtaking innings in T20 history: 162 runs off just 57 deliveries. That score wasn’t just South Africa’s highest individual T20 score—it ranked as the third-highest globally. He struck 13 fours and 13 sixes, shattering the South African record for most sixes in a T20 game. He reached his century in just 35 balls (tied for fifth fastest ever), and his 150 came off 52 deliveries, setting the world record for the fastest 150 in T20 cricket. The knock also made him the youngest South African to score a T20 century. Brevis’s T20 career has already delivered unforgettable highlights, and with such explosive form, it feels like the best is yet to come. He remains yet to make his ODI debut. Below are his T20I statistics. During his debut season in T20Is, Brevis left a strong impression. He scored 161 runs across 7 matches at a strike rate of 142.48, with a top score of 49 that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. His clean, aggressive hitting signaled his arrival as a future star rather than a temporary phenomenon. In the two seasons that followed, his brilliance continued—230 runs in 10 matches by 2024, featuring 17 fours and 16 sixes. Yet nothing spoke louder than his first-ball dismissal of Virat Kohli in the IPL, a statement that he wasn’t there just to witness greatness, but to challenge it. Now clad in the yellow jersey, Dewald Brevis stands poised at the threshold of a new chapter, ready to carve his legacy not only with the bat but with unshakable belief. The call of destiny resonates, and this rising hero is only just beginning. In his third match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he was controversially dismissed LBW. After being given out, the DRS timer failed to appear on the big screen. By the time the review was requested, over 20 seconds had elapsed, so the umpires disallowed the appeal. Despite his young career, Dewald Brevis has firmly established his worth through exceptional batting talent, earning widespread acclaim in the cricketing world. He claimed Player of the Tournament at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022, scoring 506 runs and launching a stellar career. His IPL journey began in 2022 when Mumbai Indians signed him for ₹3 crore. He also holds the record for the highest individual T20 score by a South African, smashing 162 off 57 balls and surpassing AB de Villiers’ benchmark. The nickname “Baby AB” carries great expectations, yet he has fulfilled them admirably, with performances that meet and exceed fan expectations. Expected to become one of cricket’s finest in the coming years, he continues to leave his mark with a distinctive style of play. What is Dewald Brevis’s age and date of birth? Dewald Brevis was born on 29 April 2003, making him 21 years old as of 2025. When did Dewald Brevis make his international debut? Brevis made his T20I debut for South Africa on 30 August 2023 against Australia in Durban. He has not yet played Test or ODI cricket for South Africa. Which IPL team does Dewald Brevis play for in IPL 2025? In IPL 2025, he plays for Chennai Super Kings, who signed him as a replacement player for ₹2.2 crore. He is nicknamed "Baby AB" or "Junior AB" due to his batting style closely mirroring former South African cricketer AB de Villiers. When did Dewald Brevis make his IPL debut? He debuted in the 2022 IPL season for Mumbai Indians, who acquired him for ₹3 crore following his record-breaking U-19 World Cup performance. All images are used solely for editorial purposes. Licensed exclusively via Getty/Source.