Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a significant addition to their squad by signing South African sensation Dewald Brevis as a replacement for the injured Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of IPL 2025. The announcement came on April 18, 2025, as CSK looks to revitalize their season amidst struggles at the bottom of the points table.
Gurjapneet Singh, who was acquired by CSK for INR 2.2 crore, has been ruled out of the tournament due to an undisclosed injury, leaving a gap in the bowling lineup. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed disappointment over losing the pacer but welcomed Brevis with optimism. “While it’s unfortunate to lose Gurjapneet for the remaining matches of this season, we’re excited to welcome Dewald. He’s a talented young player who can make a big impact,” Fleming stated in an official release.
Dewald Brevis, often referred to as the ‘Baby AB de Villiers’ due to his playing style reminiscent of the legendary cricketer, has made headlines for his explosive batting. At just 21 years old, he has already made a name for himself in various T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL, SA20, and CPL. Brevis was part of the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022 and 2024 but did not play in 2023. He has participated in 10 IPL matches, scoring 230 runs with an average of 23 and a strike rate of 133.72, with a top score of 49.
This season, Brevis has been in exceptional form, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer in the 2025 SA20 league, where he amassed 291 runs at an impressive strike rate of 184.17. His contributions were pivotal in helping MI Cape Town secure their first title. “He has been in top-notch form in T20s, smashing 291 runs across ten innings, averaging 48.5,” noted a cricket analyst. This kind of performance is precisely what CSK needs as they aim to turn their fortunes around.
CSK’s current situation is dire, having won only two out of their seven matches so far this season. Their next match is a crucial encounter against their long-time rivals, the Mumbai Indians, scheduled for April 20, 2025. With the team struggling to find consistency, Brevis’s inclusion is seen as a much-needed boost to their batting lineup, which has underperformed this season.
Interestingly, the signing of Brevis has raised questions regarding the IPL's replacement rules. Brevis entered the auction with a base price of INR 75 lakh but went unsold. However, under current IPL regulations, a replacement player can be signed at any base price if the player they are replacing was acquired for over INR 2 crore. This rule allowed CSK to secure Brevis despite his higher base price.
Fleming emphasized the importance of Brevis’s aggressive batting style, stating, “His ability to find boundaries consistently will be a great asset to our side.” Brevis’s aggressive approach, hitting a boundary every 3.8 deliveries, is expected to add depth to CSK’s middle order, which has been a weak point this season.
As CSK prepares for their upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians, the team is looking to build on their recent five-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants. In that match, MS Dhoni showcased his experience, remaining unbeaten on 26 runs from 11 balls, while Shivam Dube contributed a solid 43 runs from 37 deliveries. This win marked a vital step in ending a five-match winless streak for CSK.
Brevis, who will wear jersey number 17 for CSK, is expected to make an immediate impact in this high-stakes match against Mumbai. The rivalry between CSK and MI is one of the most intense in the IPL, and both teams will be eager to secure a win to improve their standings. CSK fans will be hoping that Brevis can replicate his explosive form and help the team climb the points table.
In conclusion, with the addition of Dewald Brevis, CSK is looking to infuse fresh energy into their squad as they navigate a challenging season. The upcoming clash against the Mumbai Indians is set to be a pivotal moment for the team, and all eyes will be on Brevis to see if he can deliver under pressure. As the IPL progresses, CSK will need to capitalize on every opportunity to turn their season around and keep their playoff hopes alive.
