South African batting sensation Dewald Brevis, often nicknamed “Baby AB”, has once again expressed his admiration for AB de Villiers, calling the comparisons with the South African legend a huge privilege. In a conversation featured on de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Brevis reflected on his cricketing journey, his inspirations, and the expectations tied to his nickname.

Brevis recalled his Under-19 World Cup 2022 exploits, where he was the highest run-scorer with 506 runs in six matches, including two centuries and three fifties. It was during this tournament that a friend held up a board reading “Baby AB” when he reached a half-century against India. Far from being a burden, Brevis said, it was special: “I’ve always idolised AB de Villiers, learned a lot from him, and consider the comparison a huge privilege.”

The 22-year-old has since lived up to the hype with his explosive batting style, reminiscent of de Villiers’ 360-degree stroke play. In T20s this year, Brevis has amassed 995 runs in 30 innings at an average of 43.26 and a strike rate of 186.32, including a career-best 125 not out, six half-centuries, and one century. His aggressive batting has cemented his status as one of cricket’s most exciting young talents.

Brevis’s success is not limited to international cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, he became one of the few positives for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during a difficult season. Signed midway through the tournament as a replacement for Gurjanpreet Singh, Brevis impressed immediately, scoring 225 runs in six matches at a blistering strike rate of 180. Prior to joining CSK, he had spent two seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI), who had bought him for Rs 3 crore in 2022 after his stunning U19 World Cup campaign.

Currently, Brevis is part of South Africa’s white-ball tour of England. Though he struggled in the ODI series against Australia with low scores, he bounced back spectacularly in the T20I series, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 180 runs in three matches at an average of 90 and a strike rate of 204. His unbeaten 125 remains the highest score by a South African in men’s T20Is, a milestone that highlights his rising stature in world cricket.

Despite frequent comparisons to de Villiers, Brevis has carved his own identity, demonstrating maturity and composure well beyond his years. For CSK fans, his arrival brought energy and excitement, especially as he showcased a fearless batting approach during pressure situations.

Brevis’s acknowledgment of AB de Villiers as his idol also resonates with cricket fans globally. De Villiers, known for his innovation and ability to dominate any bowling attack, remains one of the most admired cricketers in history. For Brevis, being linked with such a figure is both inspirational and a source of pride.

Looking ahead, Brevis is expected to be a long-term asset for South Africa across formats and a valuable performer in franchise leagues worldwide. With his blend of raw power, adaptability, and youthful fearlessness, the comparisons to AB de Villiers may persist, but Brevis appears determined to use that legacy as motivation rather than pressure.

For Chennai Super Kings, his rise provides hope for the future, especially as the team transitions into a new era beyond MS Dhoni. While Dhoni remains a monumental figure in CSK’s history, Brevis represents the next generation of cricketing excellence, proving that the franchise continues to unearth talents capable of shaping cricket’s future.

In the years to come, Dewald Brevis’s journey will be closely followed by fans and experts alike. For now, his simple acknowledgment — that he idolised AB de Villiers and sees the nickname “Baby AB” as a privilege — captures both his humility and his ambition to live up to the expectations set before him.

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