AB de Villiers praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for signing South Africa teenager Dewald Brevis during IPL 2025, following his 41-ball century in the ongoing second T20I against Australia in Darwin on Tuesday, August 12.
The former Proteas captain described CSK as extraordinarily fortunate, adding it was their biggest masterstroke. The cricketer-turned-analyst stated that other organizations squandered a wonderful opportunity to acquire him at the mega auction in November last year.
Brevis gave his declaration following an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls with an unbelievable strike rate of 223.21 including 12 sixes and eight boundaries against Australia. The 22-year-old is the first batsman representing Proteas to score a T20I century at the age of 22, and the second-quickest (after David Miller, 35ball ton) to reach a century of runs on behalf of SA in the shortest format.
AB de Villiers commented on the knock, writing on X:
“There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky, or maybe the biggest master stroke ever. The boy can play @BrevisDewald.”
AB de Villiers
“Mind-boggling that he wasn’t picked up at all! To think that he came in as an injury sub.”
AB de Villiers
Notably, CSK acquired Brevis as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh in the middle of the IPL 2025 season. The five-time winners paid INR 2.2 crore to acquire him.
Johannesburg-born cricketer started his great season with the Super Kings with 225 runs in six innings with a strike rate of 180 and two half centuries. His IPL performances allowed him back into the national side where he was a lone player in nine months.
CSK Star’s Blazing Century Powers South Africa to 218 in Crucial T20I vs Australia
Dewald Brevis’ century helped South Africa set a 219-run target against Australia in the second Twenty20 International. Tristan Stubbs also contributed 31 from 22 balls. Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis shined with the ball for the hosts, taking two wickets each.
The Australians lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. They won the series opener by 17 runs at the same location.
