In a significant mid-season development, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed young South African all-rounder Dewald Brevis as a replacement for injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The announcement was officially made by the franchise on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Rising Star Brevis Joins CSK for ₹2.2 Crore
The 21-year-old South African sensation has been signed for a reported ₹2.2 crore, marking his return to the Indian Premier League with one of the most iconic franchises. Brevis, often referred to as “Baby AB” for his striking resemblance to AB de Villiers in stroke-play and technique, is known for his explosive batting and handy bowling skills, making him a valuable T20 asset.
Dewald Brevis: A Look at His T20 Career
So far, Brevis has played 81 T20 matches, amassing 1,787 runs at an impressive strike rate. His career-best knock of 162 runs in a T20 match remains one of the highest individual scores in the format, underlining his ability to single-handedly dominate games.
Apart from his power-hitting prowess, Brevis has also showcased glimpses of all-round abilities, offering occasional leg-spin that adds depth to the bowling attack. His arrival is expected to bolster CSK’s middle order and provide more flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.
Gurjapneet Singh Ruled Out Due to Injury
The inclusion of Brevis comes in the wake of Gurjapneet Singh’s unfortunate injury, which has forced the young Indian pacer to sit out the remainder of the tournament. The nature and extent of the injury haven’t been disclosed in detail by the franchise, but sources indicate it could be a stress-related issue, possibly requiring extended rest and rehabilitation.
Gurjapneet, who had shown great promise in the domestic circuit and was gradually making a mark in the CSK setup, will be missed, particularly given CSK’s emphasis on nurturing young Indian talent.
Strategic Addition for CSK’s Playoff Push
With the IPL 2025 entering its crucial middle phase, CSK’s move to bring in Brevis seems like a calculated strategy to maintain their momentum and prepare for a strong playoff push. The team, currently placed in the top half of the points table, has been consistent, but some matches have exposed gaps in their batting firepower and middle-order stability.
The management believes that Brevis can help plug those gaps with his aggressive style and match-winning temperament. His ability to play spin and pace equally well is seen as a major advantage, especially on Indian pitches that tend to vary across venues.
A Familiar Face in the League
While this will be Brevis’s first stint with CSK, he is no stranger to the IPL. He previously represented Mumbai Indians, where he made headlines with his fearless hitting and big-match temperament. Though his performances were somewhat inconsistent, his potential was evident, and his release by MI came as a surprise to many.
Now, wearing the iconic yellow jersey, Brevis will be looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to fulfill the potential that has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the cricketing world.
Reactions from CSK Camp and Fans
Reacting to the announcement, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed his confidence in Brevis’s abilities and emphasized the importance of having a versatile squad in a long tournament like the IPL.
“Dewald is a fantastic young cricketer with an exciting future ahead. We believe he fits into our style of cricket and brings a lot of energy and power to the team,” Fleming said.
CSK fans, known for their unwavering support, have welcomed the move with enthusiasm on social media. Many believe that Brevis’s aggressive batting could complement the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni, creating a formidable lineup.
What to Expect from Brevis at CSK
While it remains to be seen how CSK utilizes Brevis in their playing XI, speculation is rife that he could slot into the number 4 or 5 position — roles currently shared among the likes of Dube and Moeen Ali. His ability to hit big from ball one could provide CSK with much-needed acceleration in the death overs, especially if the top order lays a solid foundation.
Moreover, Brevis’s occasional bowling might offer CSK a sixth bowling option, something that is often crucial in tight matches.