Legendary spinner and former Indian head coach Anil Kumble has showered rich praise on Dewald Brevis after the young batting sensation lit up Chepauk with a stunning debut for Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25.
Dewald Brevis, who was signed as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, grabbed the spotlight with a fiery knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad. While Chennai Super Kings batters struggled against the SRH, Brevis stepped up with a brilliant 42 off just 25 balls, smashing four towering sixes to help the team post 154 on the board.
Anil Kumble hails Dewald Brevis after stunning CSK debut against SRH at Chepauk
However, SRH eventually won the IPL 2025 game by five wickets in Chennai. Well, Brevis’ fearless approach, especially against spin on a tough Chepauk wicket, impressed everyone, including Kumble, who was quick to highlight the swashbuckling batter’s rare ability to adapt on difficult pitches.
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Anil Kumble was quoted as saying by JioHotstar, “His ability to play spin really stood out. Chennai isn’t easy. It’s a two-paced wicket where the odd ball holds up. He’s done it before in South Africa, in first-class cricket, and at the U-19 level, which is how he came into the IPL.”
The legendary spinner said Brevis announced his arrival in style, much like how Chris Gayle once turned RCB’s fortunes around after being a late replacement in 2011.
Anil Kumble compares Dewald Brevis’ CSK arrival to Chris Gayle’s iconic RCB entry
Notably, the young Proteas sensation went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, but fate had other plans, as Gurjapneet Singh got injured, offering a great opportunity for Brevis to make every ball count.
Kumble further explained, “He (Dewald Brevis) came in as a replacement, wasn’t even part of the squad originally, and that reminds me of how one ‘Universe Boss’ (Chris Gayle) too walked in as a replacement for RCB in 2011 and became an icon.”
The former RCB legend hailed Chennai Super Kings for finally focusing on young talent after years of relying on experienced players. He highlighted that with Dewald Brevis, Rachin Ravindra, Ayush Mhatre, and Matheesha Pathirana, CSK is slowly building a strong young core.
Anil Kumble urges Chennai Super Kings to give youngsters a decent run in the IPL 2025
Kumble believes that the 21-year-old Brevis has the potential to be a long-term star for the CSK. With five games left this season, the former Indian head coach believes that it is the perfect time for the five-time IPL champions to try their youngsters and plan for the next season.
He signed off by saying, “Brevis has all the shots. With Rachin Ravindra, Mhatre, and Pathirana, CSK has a young core to build on. Brevis has the potential to be a long-term asset for the franchise. With five games left, it’s the perfect time to give youngsters a decent run and start building for the future.”
Notably, Chennai Super Kings is virtually out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race, having lost seven of their nine games so far in the tournament. They are currently the bottom-ranked side with only four points, and they will face Punjab Kings in their next IPL 2025 clash on April 20 at the Chepauk Stadium.
