After Ravichandran Ashwin’s Remarks On Dewald Brevis Signing
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have moved quickly to address speculation surrounding their mid-season signing of South Africa’s Dewald Brevis during IPL 2025. The franchise issued a statement on Saturday confirming that the deal was “in complete compliance” with tournament regulations, after off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin suggested on his YouTube channel that CSK may have paid the youngster more than the permitted amount.
Brevis, the 21-year-old batter nicknamed “Baby AB” for his stroke-making resemblance to AB de Villiers, was one of the notable mid-season additions this year. He had gone unsold at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah but found his way into CSK’s line-up in April, replacing injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who had been signed for Rs 2.2 crore.
Ashwin’s Observation Sparks Debate
On his channel, Ashwin had shared his understanding of how the Brevis deal unfolded:
“I even heard that two-three teams were also talking to him but they had to let him go after not being able to pay extra money. His concept would have been, ‘If I play this season, my value (for the next auction) will go higher’. So he might have told CSK, ‘I’ll need the extra money’. And the team was willing to pay him extra, which is why he came in,” Ashwin said.
His remarks stirred curiosity, with fans speculating whether CSK had broken the rules by offering Brevis a fee higher than Gurjapneet’s original auction price.
CSK’s Response
CSK, however, categorically denied any such breach. In a detailed statement, the franchise clarified:
Brevis was signed for Rs 2.2 crore, the same figure Gurjapneet Singh was contracted for at the auction.
The signing adhered strictly to clause 6.6 of the IPL Player Regulations 2025–27 regarding replacement players.
The IPL itself issued a media advisory on April 18 confirming Brevis’ signing under these terms.
The statement emphasized that all procedures were transparent and approved by the league authorities.
What the Rules Say
Under IPL regulations, a replacement player cannot be signed for more than the fee of the player he is replacing. In Brevis’ case, that cap was INR 2.2 crore – the amount Gurjapneet had fetched.
Additionally, regulations specify that when a replacement is signed mid-season, the player’s actual earnings are reduced in proportion to the matches already played before his registration. This ensures parity and prevents franchises from using mid-season signings as a backdoor to inflate salaries.
Brevis’ Impact
While the debate over money dominated headlines, Brevis’ cricket did much of the talking on the field. Known for his fearless batting and innovative stroke play, the youngster injected energy into CSK’s campaign during the back half of IPL 2025. For him, the move was also about exposure and positioning himself strongly for the 2026 mega auction, where his stock is expected to rise.
The Bigger Picture
For CSK, the clarification was as much about protecting their reputation as it was about confirming Brevis’ contract value. The franchise has long prided itself on professionalism and sticking to the rules, and with the league itself backing the signing, the matter now seems settled.
But Ashwin’s comments did highlight an interesting subplot – how mid-season signings can be used by players to enhance their market value ahead of future auctions. In Brevis’ case, the strategy may already be working.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: Dewald Brevis has once again shown why he’s a name to watch, both on the field and in the auction room.