09 September,2025 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dewald Brevis (Pic: AFP)
The SA20 2025 auction witnessed high drama and historic bidding wars, but none more sensational than the one surrounding South Africa's rising star, Dewald Brevis. The 22-year-old batter made headlines by becoming the most expensive player in the tournament's history, sold for a staggering R16.5 million (approximately Rs 8.3 crore) to Pretoria Capitals.
Brevis, often dubbed 'Baby AB' for his resemblance to AB de Villiers' playing style, entered the auction on the back of blistering form, and the intense competition for his services reflected just that. A fierce two-way tussle unfolded between Pretoria Capitals and Joburg Super Kings, with the latter stretching their budget up to R16.4 million before eventually pulling out. The Capitals, seizing the moment, closed the deal and etched Brevis' name into SA20 record books.
Interestingly, for a brief window, it was Aiden Markram, Brevis' national teammate, who held the record as the most expensive player. Markram was snapped up by Durban's Super Giants for R7 crore, surpassing the previous high held by Tristan Stubbs, who was sold for R9.2 million to Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the last auction. However, Markram's reign at the top lasted only minutes before Brevis shattered the milestone.
Why Brevis deserved the record-breaking bid?
The astronomical bid wasn't just driven by hype, it was backed by Brevis' exceptional performances in recent months. Drafted mid-season in the IPL 2025 as an injury replacement, Brevis made an immediate impact. Despite playing only six matches, he amassed 225 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 180, emerging as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for Chennai Super Kings.
His red-hot form continued into the international circuit. In the recent T20I series against Australia, Brevis lit up the stage with his maiden T20I century, finishing the series with a strike rate of 204.
Brevis' purple patch began with an impressive run in the CSA 4-Day Series Division 1. He has also made impactful contributions in white-ball cricket this year. In five ODIs for South Africa in 2025, he has amassed 104 runs at a blistering strike rate of 182.4.
His most electrifying performances, however, have come in the T20I format. In eight T20 internationals, Brevis has racked up 313 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 196.8, including a career-best score of 125. His explosive batting at the top of the order has provided South Africa with rapid starts, often putting the opposition on the back foot within the powerplay.
