Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed South African batter Dewald Brevis as an injury replacement midway through the IPL 2025 season. According to The Times of India, England cricketer Jonny Bairstow was initially considered, but CSK head coach Fleming backed Brevis, and MS Dhoni approved the decision.
Dewald Brevis joined Chennai Super Kings as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, with the franchise acquiring him for Rs 2.2 crore. The young batter scored 225 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 180, including two fifties. He also received a call-up to the national team after a nine-month absence.
CSK Opt for Young Talent Dewald Brevis Over Jonny Bairstow in IPL 2025
Dewald Brevis and Jonny Bairstow went unsold in the mega auction. CSK decided to sign the young South African over the experienced English batter after Stephen Fleming recommended him. MS Dhoni, who was leading the team in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence due to injury, approved the decision.
The report added that Brevis’s earlier struggles against spin had raised doubts, but with the team out of playoff contention, the franchise saw it as an opportunity to experiment and give young talent a chance.
“He had seemed a suspect against spin in the first two seasons, and the data of the player didn’t suggest anything special. But with Ruturaj Gaikwad out with an injury, we were lacking firepower up top, and with no chance to make the play-offs, there was scope to experiment,” the source said.
“Bairstow had experience, but by then we were ready to take a chance with young guns,” the source said.
CSK’s Backing Helps Dewald Brevis Emerge as a Promising Young Star
Dewald Brevis had limited experience before the IPL 2025 season. He played only 10 matches across two seasons for the Mumbai Indians (MI). None of the franchises showed interest in him during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Coach Stephen Fleming decided to back Brevis, and MS Dhoni gave his approval, trusting the youngster’s potential. Brevis played crucial innings against teams like SRH, KKR, and Gujarat Titans, including a 42-run knock off 25 balls in a low-scoring match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
CSK management believes he is still a developing talent. The franchise might retain him for the next season as part of a long-term plan, allowing him to grow into a key player and one of their most promising young stars.
Brevis Smashes Record Ton in AUS vs SA 2025 2nd T20I
Dewald Brevis delivered a record-breaking performance in the second T20I between South Africa and Australia in Darwin on August 12. The 22-year-old smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls, including 12 sixes and eight fours, at a strike rate of 223.21, helping South Africa post a total of 218/7.
Brevis reached his century in just 41 balls, marking the second-fastest T20I hundred for South Africa after David Miller’s 35-ball ton in 2017. He also became the youngest South African to score a T20I hundred and recorded the highest individual T20I score by a Proteas batter.
Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis took two wickets each for Australia. In reply, Australia were bowled out for 165, with Corbin Bosch and Kgaogelo Maphaka claiming three wickets each, giving South Africa a 53-run victory.