If you’ve been scrolling through IPL highlights lately, you’ve probably seen a tall, confident left‑hander smashing big shots. That’s Dewald Brevis, the South African prodigy who’s turning heads in the biggest T20 league on the planet. At just 23, he’s already got a few unforgettable innings under his belt and a lot of talk about where his career is heading.
Born in Durban in 2000, Brevis grew up playing street cricket and dreaming of wearing the Proteas jersey. He broke into first‑class cricket with the Titans in 2020 and quickly showed why scouts love him – a blend of raw power and a calm head on the field. In the 2022/23 domestic season he averaged over 50 in the CSA T20 Challenge, notching three centuries and a handful of 80‑plus knocks.
Mumbai Indians snapped him up in the 2023 auction for INR 2 crore. He made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings, and within a few games he was delivering the kind of big‑hit performances that usually belong to seasoned stars. His 71* off 31 balls in the Mumbai vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore game earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award and put him on the radar of fans worldwide.
What makes Brevis special isn’t just the sixes. He’s good at rotating the strike, finding gaps, and playing the scoop when the situation calls for it. In 12 matches he’s scored 438 runs at an average of 39.80 and a strike‑rate of 147. He’s also a handy part‑timer with the ball, delivering occasional overs that pick up crucial wickets.
His batting style is often compared to the likes of David Miller – a calm demeanor, a quick wrist, and the ability to finish games. Unlike many power‑hitters, Brevis can also anchor an innings, playing the role of a top‑order stabiliser when the team loses early wickets. That flexibility is why Mumbai keeps him in the playing XI for both power‑play and death overs.
Critics sometimes point out his inconsistency, especially in the early overs of a chase. However, his recent performances suggest he’s learning to pace his innings better. In the 2024 IPL season, he improved his average by 12 runs and cut down on dot balls, showing a clear adaptation to the league’s pressure.
Beyond the IPL, Brevis is knocking on the door of an international call‑up. The South African selectors have been monitoring his progress, and a strong IPL run could earn him a spot in the limited‑overs squad for the upcoming series against England. If he continues his upward trajectory, a Test debut isn’t far off either.
Fans love him for his easy smile and the way he interacts on social media – posting behind‑the‑scenes clips, training videos, and answering fan questions. That personal touch builds a loyal following, which in turn adds to his marketability and makes him a valuable asset for sponsors.
So, what’s next for Dewald Brevis? Expect him to keep fine‑tuning his game in the IPL, aim for a permanent spot in the South African side, and possibly become one of the leading power‑hitters in world cricket. Keep an eye on his next season; the best is likely still to come.
Dewald Brevis lit up Australia with a record 125* in a T20I at Darwin, then added a brisk 53 in Cairns. Days later, his ODI start was bumpier—49 in the third ODI, highlighted by a viral six but ended by a catch on the rope. The swing underlines how different T20 and ODI demands are, and how South Africa might shape his role across formats.