Chennai Super Kings have made a major mid-season move, and it could turn out to be one of the smartest decisions of IPL 2025.

MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis

They have signed South African batting sensation Dewald Brevis as a replacement for injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh. While the 21-year-old had a modest base price of ₹75 lakh in the last auction, CSK shelled out INR 2.2 crore to secure his services. And make no mistake, it is a bold investment, both in terms of money and vision.

Because Brevis is not just another young player. He is a rare mix of power, flair, and fearlessness, one who has drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers since his teenage years. Often called “Baby AB,” Brevis has the ability to change games on his own.

He has shown flashes of it already, including in the SA20 earlier this year, where he ended among the top 10 run-scorers with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 184.17.

That is no small feat. The timing of this move says it all. CSK are currently at the bottom of the points table, with just two wins at the season's halfway stage. They have lacked firepower, looked flat in chases, and clearly need something different.

Brevis might just be that spark. He has played 81 T20 matches already, across IPL, SA20, MLC, and domestic leagues, and strikes at almost 145. Despite limited international opportunities, his reputation has grown fast.

The 21-year-old has also been in great form for the Titans, scoring heavily in both List A and first-class formats recently. This is not a panic buy — this is smart scouting.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad out injured and Ayush Mhatre already brought in, CSK were in desperate need of an attacking option. Someone who can bring that middle-over muscle and take the pressure off senior batters.