Dewald Brevis, a dynamic South African cricketer, joined Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 after injuries sidelined key players. Known for explosive batting and occasional leg-spin bowling, he is nicknamed 'Baby AB' for his resemblance to AB de Villiers.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026 remains a spectacle filled with dramatic twists and high-voltage performances, where global stars and local talents converge each season. This year, the Chennai Super Kings faced a critical setback when Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury, followed by Gurjapneet Singh’s unfortunate withdrawal from play. In response, the franchise acted swiftly, securing the services of South African young gun Dewald Brevis for ₹2.2 crore. Brevis stands out as one of those rare talents who commands immediate attention on the cricket field. Hailing from Johannesburg, the right-handed batsman has already captured global admiration, though he also contributes with occasional leg-spin deliveries—yet it is his explosive batting that truly captures the imagination of fans worldwide. Nicknamed 'Baby AB' due to the striking similarities between his playing style and that of cricket legend AB de Villiers, Brevis has admitted feeling somewhat uneasy with the comparison, even though the praise is undeniably flattering. His rise to prominence began in spectacular fashion during the 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup, where he amassed 506 runs and claimed the Player of the Tournament accolade, signaling the arrival of a new sensation. Since then, his career has been on an upward trajectory without interruption. Dewald Brevis will represent the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league this season. The precocious South African batsman was acquired for R16.5 million, establishing himself as a player to watch closely as the tournament unfolds. Reports indicate that Dewald Brevis follows Christianity, though he has never publicly discussed his religious beliefs or background on social media or in interviews. Growing up in a close-knit family in Johannesburg, Dewald Brevis’ path to cricket stardom began in the most ordinary of settings—his own backyard. His father, Jack Brevis, played an instrumental role from the very beginning, going so far as to construct a full-sized cricket pitch in the family garden so that Dewald and his older brother, Reinard, could practice together daily. Picture this: two siblings turning their backyard into a mini cricket academy, dreaming big with every delivery bowled and every shot played. Yet the passion for the game extended far beyond father and sons. Dewald’s mother, Yolanda, has been his quiet yet powerful source of strength. When Reinard couldn’t join practice sessions, she stepped in herself—bowling to Dewald to maintain his rhythm and timing. That kind of unwavering support doesn’t just nurture cricketers; it molds champions. The encouragement wasn’t limited to technical drills. Yolanda even created custom-made shirts for Dewald, inspired by his idol AB de Villiers, long before the world took notice of his talent. Dewald Brevis’ elder brother is Reinard Brevis, though publicly available information about him remains scarce. Dewald Brevis does not have any sisters. He wears jersey number 17, a number that holds special significance as it was also worn by AB de Villiers during his debut for South Africa. Beyond smashing boundaries on the field, Dewald Brevis has also won admirers off it. The young batting sensation is in a committed, long-term relationship with Lindy Maree, and their partnership seems destined for greatness. The couple has reportedly been together for about four years, and their Instagram feed—filled with cozy selfies and joyful celebration pictures—is a testament to their bond. Whether celebrating a milestone in Dewald’s cricketing journey or enjoying a quiet evening together, Lindy has always been present, offering steadfast support. What makes their story even more endearing is how Lindy’s visibility has grown alongside Dewald’s fame, with fans increasingly curious about the woman standing firmly by the side of ‘Baby AB.’ Media outlets have highlighted their relationship, often presenting them as one of cricket’s most promising young duos. Lindy Maree has consistently stood by Dewald through every challenge and triumph, proving that their love story is built on loyalty and long-term commitment. As Dewald’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that they are playing a lasting game—not just in love, but in life. As of now, Dewald Brevis has an estimated net worth of around ₹16.6 crores. His income streams from multiple avenues, primarily centered around T20 league appearances such as the IPL, SA20, CPL, MLC, and domestic match fees. He has represented teams including the Titans in SA20, MI Cape Town, and Hampshire. In the SA20 league, his annual earnings typically range between ₹50 to 80 lakhs, depending on team selection and performance metrics. During the 2025 IPL season, the Chennai Super Kings signed him as a replacement player for ₹2.2 crore, underscoring his immense value in the T20 format. He is also the highest-paid cricketer in the SA20 after being signed by Pretoria Capitals for R16.50 million. He was named in South Africa’s Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe, marking his Test debut and opening a new chapter in his international career. Brevis announced himself on the global stage in T20I cricket with a breathtaking unbeaten 125 against Australia—currently the highest individual T20I score by a South African batter and also the highest individual T20I score ever recorded in Australia. This innings featured 12 fours and 8 sixes. Though still early in his career, Dewald Brevis has already achieved remarkable milestones. If you’ve seen him bat, you know he’s not just about flawless technique—he brings intent, flair, and raw power to every innings. His journey in T20 cricket, in particular, has been electrifying. Let’s revisit one defining moment. In October 2022, while playing for the Titans in a domestic T20 match against the Knights, Brevis delivered one of the most astonishing performances in the format’s history, smashing 162 runs off just 57 deliveries. Yes, that’s correct. Not only was this the highest individual T20 score ever recorded in South Africa, it also ranked as the third-highest in the world. He struck 13 fours and 13 sixes—more sixes than any other player has ever hit in a South African T20 game. He reached his century in just 35 balls (joint-fifth fastest ever), and his 150 came off just 52 deliveries, setting a world record for the fastest 150 in T20 cricket. That innings also made him the youngest South African to score a T20 century. Brevis’s T20 career has already produced unforgettable moments, and with such firepower at his disposal, it feels like the best is yet to come. As of now, he is yet to make his ODI debut. You can review his T20I statistics below. During his debut season, he didn’t just make an appearance—he made an impact. Brevis amassed 161 runs across 7 matches at a strike rate of 142.48, with a top score of 49 that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. His clean, fearless strokeplay made one thing abundantly clear: this was not just another newcomer; he was the future star the game had been waiting for. In the following two seasons, he continued to shine brightly, compiling 230 runs in 10 matches by 2024, highlighted by 17 fours and 16 sixes. Yet nothing announced his arrival like the moment he dismissed Virat Kohli with his very first ball in the IPL. That was Brevis declaring, in no uncertain terms, that he wasn’t there to merely witness greatness—he was there to challenge it. Now, as he dons the iconic yellow jersey, Dewald Brevis stands at the threshold of a fresh journey, ready to carve his own legacy—not just with the bat, but with unshakable belief. The call to destiny has rung out. And this rising hero? He’s only just getting started. In his third match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he was controversially given out LBW. Despite the ball hitting the stumps, the DRS timer did not appear on the big screen immediately after the decision. By the time the review was requested, more than 20 seconds had elapsed, prompting the umpires to deny the challenge. As of now, Dewald Brevis may still be in the early stages of his career, but he has already demonstrated immense skill and class with the bat, earning widespread recognition in the cricketing world. He claimed the Player of the Tournament award at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 after scoring 506 runs, marking a flawless start to his professional journey. He secured his first IPL contract in 2022 when Mumbai Indians signed him for a staggering ₹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’ previous benchmark. The nickname ‘Baby AB’ comes with significant expectations, but he has risen to the challenge and delivered performances that meet and often exceed fan expectations. He is widely tipped to become one of the next global cricketing icons in the coming years, set to leave a lasting impression with his distinctive playing style. Dewald Brevis’s Age and Date of Birth Dewald Brevis was born on 29 April 2003, which makes 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 cricket or One Day Internationals for South Africa. Which IPL Team Does Dewald Brevis Play For in IPL 2025? In the 2025 IPL season, he represents the Chennai Super Kings, who acquired him as a replacement player for ₹2.2 crore. Why Is Dewald Brevis Nicknamed ‘Baby AB’? He is nicknamed ‘Baby AB’ or ‘Junior AB’ due to the uncanny resemblance between his batting technique and that of former South African legend AB de Villiers. When Did Dewald Brevis Make His IPL Debut? He made his IPL debut during the 2022 season while playing for the Mumbai Indians, who signed him for ₹3 crore following his record-breaking performance at the U-19 World Cup. All images used are for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely through Getty/Source.