CSK’s Superstar Signing Dewald Brevis Goes Full ‘Fanboy’ for MS Dhoni: “His Room Door is Always Open”

Only last month, Dewald Brevis scored a 125-run knock against Australia, setting a new record for the highest T20I score by a South African.

CSK’s Superstar Signing Dewald Brevis Goes Full ‘Fanboy’ for MS Dhoni: “His Room Door is Always Open”

Dewald Brevis talked about his experience playing under MS Dhoni in the IPL. (via Inside Sport)

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Emerging South African talent Dewald Brevis recently reflected on his stint with Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 IPL season. As such, he shared details of a full ‘fanboy’ experience of playing under MS Dhoni. Brevis praised the former Indian captain’s humble nature and shared that his room was always open.

Dewald Brevis, often considered a successor to South African great AB de Villiers, first made his way into the IPL at the age of just 18. At that time, he was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2022. However, his initial display was modest, as he scored only 230 runs in ten games until 2024 with a modest average of 23. These underwhelming results led to MI releasing him, and he went unsold in the 2025 IPL Mega-auction.

However, the turning point in Brevis’ career arrived midway through the 2025 IPL season. When CSK came calling, the South African was roped in for INR 2.2 crores as an injury replacement for pacer Gurjapneet Singh.

During this short but impactful stint, Brevis scored 225 runs at an average of 37.50 and a blistering strike rate of 180. The young star hit 13 fours and 17 sixes, while also providing the much-needed momentum for CSK in the middle order.

Dewald Brevis’ standout display has led to him now being considered as a future prospect for the Men in Yellow. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old most recently, speaking on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, reflected on his experience in the IPL. He called his four-year stint in the league ‘incredible’ and expressed that he was thrilled to have shared a dressing room and played under the leadership of legend MS Dhoni.

He showered praise on Dhoni’s humbleness as well as his supportive attitude towards young players. Contrary to the claims about MSD’s unavailability, Brevis asserted that the 44-year-old gives a lot of his time to teammates and other players off the field, and also revealed that the legendary keeper’s ‘room door’ is always open. He also shared his conversations with Dhoni about their hobbies, referring to him as an inspirational figure both on and off the pitch. 

The one thing that I can just say from MS [Dhoni] is his humbleness… How he is basically off the field, the time he has for players, for people. His room door is always open. If he’s sleeping, that’s the only time it’s closed.

Dewald Brevis on ‘AB de Villiers 360′ YouTube channel

Additionally, Dewald Brevis mentioned that his IPL experience has helped him improve at the international level. This year, he has had the opportunity to represent South Africa in all formats. In the eight T20Is in 2025, Brevis has scored 313 runs, including one century and one fifty.

Dewald Brevis reflects on the ‘Baby AB’ nickname and the expectations that come with it

South African batting sensation Dewald Brevis shared his thoughts on the ‘Baby AB’ nickname. After all, he is being constantly compared to the legend AB de Villiers. The 22-year-old suggested that he looks at the nickname as a ‘privilege’ that has been bestowed upon him, rather than a ‘burden’. 

Dewald Brevis Baby AB
Dewald Brevis stated that he ‘privileged’ to be nicknamed ‘Baby AB’, compared to the likes of AB de Villiers. (via NDTV Sports)

2025 has been a defining year for Dewald Brevis. In his two Test appearances, he has scored 84 runs, including a fifty. Meanwhile, in the five ODIs that he played in so far, the Johannesburg-born star has scored 104 runs.

T20s is where Brevis has excelled the most, having hit an impressive 995 runs in 30 innings this year. This comes at an average of 43.26 and a strike-rate of 186.32, including a hundred and six fifties. 

While speaking to AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel, Brevis recounted how he first earned the ’Baby AB’ nickname after scoring a fifty against India’s under-19 team at the 2022 under-19 World Cup. As such, the young batsman opened up about what the nickname means to him.

I have been telling people that it has never been a burden and never have I felt pressure, because for me it was one of the most special things.

Dewald Brevis on AB de Villiers 360 YouTube channel

Nonetheless, Brevis and the South African national team are currently on a white-ball tour to England, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. The Proteas have already secured the ODI series win, having comfortably won the first two matches, and are now aiming for a clean sweep.

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