‘BABY AB’ Returns! Chennai Super Kings Ropes In Young Prodigy As Replacement News24 –

Chennai Super Kings have signed South Africa’s rising star Dewald Brevis for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The young batting sensation has been brought in as a replacement for pacer Gurjapneet Singh. With one overseas slot still available in their squad, CSK took the opportunity to snap up the 21-year-old talent.

And now, Dewald Brevis is Yellove! 💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛

pic.twitter.com/UPtNqfeuCA

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 18, 2025

Went Unsold In Auction

Though Brevis went unsold at the previous auction with a modest base price of Rs 75 lakh, the Super Kings have now secured his services for Rs 2.2 crore, highlighting just how highly they rate the young Proteas batter.

Previous Performances

Often dubbed “Baby AB” for his resemblance in playing style to AB de Villiers, Brevis has been on the radar ever since his U19 World Cup heroics. While he has only made a couple of appearances for South Africa at the senior level, his domestic and T20 league performances have built him a solid reputation. The right-hander has already featured in 10 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians and continues to be a regular in franchise leagues like the SA20 and Major League Cricket.

Statistically, Brevis has built an impressive T20 résumé for someone so young. In 81 T20 games, he boasts a strike rate nearing 145. Earlier this year, he was in blistering form during the SA20, finishing among the top 10 run-scorers and registering the highest strike rate in the tournament – a staggering 184.17. He also comes into the IPL after a strong domestic season with the Titans, performing well in both List A and first-class formats.

Injury Strikes in CSK Camp

For CSK, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the table with just two wins at the halfway stage of the league, Brevis could be the X-factor they need. He becomes the second replacement player brought in by the franchise this season, following the inclusion of Ayush Mhatre, who stepped in for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad due to injury.

CSK are set to face off against long-time rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 20, and fans will be eager to see if Brevis makes his debut in that high-stakes clash.