Dewald Brevis recently smashed an unbeaten 125 for South Africa in the second T20I. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has even raised the question of whether Brevis could be considered the best “injury substitute” in IPL history. During IPL 2025, the young South African was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to replace the injured Gurjapneet Singh.
CSK endured a difficult IPL 2025 campaign, with their batting line-up struggling across both the top and middle order. To inject fresh energy, the franchise brought in Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis as injury replacements.
The pair quickly revitalized CSK’s innings, with their aggressive approach providing the team renewed hope for IPL 2026. Brevis played six matches for CSK, scoring 225 runs, including two fifties, at a strike rate of 180, hitting 13 fours and 17 sixes.
Brevis has continued his remarkable form for South Africa, making his Test debut in Zimbabwe and recently recording the highest T20I score—and the second-fastest T20I century—for his country. His 125* against Australia in the second T20I in Darwin was a testament to his explosive talent.
“Dewald Brevis deserved all the credit” – Aakash Chopra on CSK’s IPL 2025 replacement player
“Was Gurjapneet’s injury replacement the best in IPL history? Dewald Brevis got all the credit for ending Australia’s winning streak. He scored a century, broke several records in the process, and even AB de Villiers praised him, saying he was surprised no one picked him in the auction. That’s a completely valid point,” Chopra said.
Chopra highlighted the 22-year-old’s immense potential, noting that he could become one of the most dangerous players in the game.
“Now he’s with Chennai Super Kings because Gurjapneet got injured. He’s the new cub who could grow into a lion. He bats, fields, and keeps exceptionally well, plays spin brilliantly, and is in great form. Dewald Brevis might just be the most impactful injury replacement in IPL history,” he added.
CSK are expected to retain Brevis at his price of INR 2.2 Crores as they aim to bounce back from their last-place finish in IPL 2025.
