Dewald Brevis, the dynamic South African batter fondly nicknamed ‘Baby AB’, is back in the IPL and set to don Chennai Super Kings (CSK) colours for the first time on April 20, 2025, in a high-voltage clash against his former team, Mumbai Indians (MI). CSK confirmed Brevis’s inclusion as an official replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The announcement comes at a crucial time for the yellow brigade, who are struggling at the bottom half of the points table with just two wins in seven games.
Brevis Brings Firepower to a Faltering CSK Lineup
Brevis, who played previously for Mumbai Indians, has already gained global attention for his fearless hitting and 360-degree strokeplay reminiscent of AB de Villiers. His T20 resume includes:
- Matches: 81
- Runs: 1,787
- Best Score: 162
- IPL Experience: 10 matches, 230 runs at a strike rate of 133.72
His aggressive intent and fearless middle-order hitting are expected to bolster CSK’s campaign, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined and MS Dhoni stepping back into leadership. “Brevis is a powerful addition to our group. His intent and youth bring fresh energy,” said CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming during a media interaction ahead of the match.
CSK’s Struggle Calls for Tactical Shift
CSK has had a rough run this season:
- Lost 5 of their first 7 matches
- Injuries to key players (Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gurjapneet Singh)
- Inconsistent batting through middle overs
The team has already brought in Ayush Mhatre and is now experimenting with different combinations. Brevis’s selection is not just a necessity but a strategic refresh for a side that needs to build momentum urgently.
Brevis vs Former Side: Added Edge to the Rivalry
The twist? Brevis’s first match in CSK colours comes against Mumbai Indians, where he made his IPL debut. Fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating his response against his former teammates.
Fixture: CSK vs MI
Date: April 20, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Live on: Star Sports & JioCinema
This match is not only crucial for CSK’s playoff survival but also a personal narrative arc for Brevis, looking to prove his worth and possibly earn a long-term IPL role.
What This Means for CSK
- Mid-season boost to the batting lineup
- New finisher or floating option in middle order
- Reinforced squad depth with someone familiar with Indian conditions
If Brevis delivers, CSK could stage a revival in the remaining league phase and position themselves for a late playoff push.
Dewald Brevis Returns to IPL Spotlight
For Dewald Brevis, April 20 could mark a career reboot — a chance to rewrite his IPL story, this time in the yellow of Chennai Super Kings. As CSK prepares to take on the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, all eyes will be on the South African prodigy who now carries Chennai’s hopes on his shoulders.
Brevis, who has played two T20 Internationals after making debut in 2023, has made a name in franchise tournaments around the world, including playing in the IPL, CPL, MLC and SA20.
Chennai Super Kings announced on Friday, April 18, 2025, the inclusion of South African all-rounder Dewald Brevis, replacing injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the IPL. Brevis has played two T20 Internationals after making his debut in 2023. His IPL experience includes:
- 10 matches for MI, scoring 230 runs at an average of 23.00 with a best score of 49 at a strike rate of 133.72.
- Top run-getter in the 2022 U19 World Cup with 506 runs in six matches.
- 291 runs in 12 matches at an average of 48.50 in SA20 2025.
Despite not being able to do well in his two T20Is played for South Africa so far, Brevis has re-established himself as an exciting prospect with his all-format form this year.
CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged the need for a tactical shift, especially after their five-match losing streak. “We are looking to give younger players a chance,” Fleming noted, hinting at the potential for Brevis to make a significant impact.
CSK's current standing in the points table is concerning, with only two wins from seven matches. The team is hoping that Brevis will inject some much-needed energy into the batting lineup, which has struggled to find form.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians are coming off a resurgence, having won their last two matches and looking to solidify their playoff position. With key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah back in the fold, MI is expected to pose a significant challenge for CSK.
As the clock ticks down to the match, anticipation builds around Brevis’s debut. Will he be able to live up to the expectations and deliver a performance that could turn CSK’s season around? Fans are eager to find out.
In conclusion, the IPL clash between CSK and MI on April 20, 2025, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both teams. With Brevis stepping onto the field in a new jersey, the stakes are higher than ever. Can he rise to the occasion and help CSK break free from their struggles? Only time will tell.
