Published By: Sanchari Das

This IPL Auction Reject Is Owning SA20: 3 IPL Teams That Should Snap Him Up

The unsold IPL star is now dominating SA20 and proving why franchises might regret letting him go

The 2025 SA20 season began with a thrilling opener between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St. George Park in Port Elizabeth. Winning the toss, Sunrisers chose to field and quickly grabbed three wickets, putting MI on the back foot. However, Dewald Brevis turned the game around with a stunning 23-ball fifty, leaving fans in awe. This explosive start has reignited interest in Brevis, who surprisingly went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

A forgotten talent makes a statement

Brevis, once a hot prospect for Mumbai Indians, had struggled to shine in previous T20 outings. In the IPL, he managed only 230 runs across 10 games with an average of 23. His SA20 stats weren't impressive either, as he averaged 18.75 in 2024 with a modest strike rate. Yet, his 57-run knock against the Sunrisers in SA20 2025 showcased his resurgence. Smashing six maximums, including his signature no-look six, Brevis reminded everyone why he was called "Baby AB."

A stellar start to SA20 2025

Walking in at 42/3, Brevis took control of the innings alongside Colin Ingram, adding a crucial 67 runs. His blistering knock pushed MI Cape Town to a competitive total of 174/7. The innings reflected his ability to handle pressure and his hunger to reclaim his place among T20 elites. With 442 runs in 21 SA20 games, Brevis seems ready to deliver consistently, making him an attractive replacement option for IPL franchises.

Mumbai Indians: A familiar fit

Mumbai Indians might regret releasing Brevis ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Though his form in earlier seasons was patchy, his recent performances make him an ideal candidate for a mid-season comeback. With Ryan Rickelton's fitness under scrutiny after his recent hamstring issues, MI could look to Brevis as a reliable replacement. The franchise knows his potential and could offer him a chance to redeem himself.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Spin specialist at Eden

KKR also faces uncertainty regarding Rahmanullah Gurbaz's fitness. As Gurbaz recovers from a past injury, the team might want to secure backup options. With his ability to tackle spin, Brevis could thrive on Eden Gardens' surfaces. His aggressive approach suits KKR's game plan, making him a strong contender for their lineup if a vacancy arises.

Punjab Kings: Ideal for flat tracks

Punjab Kings, too, might need Brevis. With Josh Inglis sidelined due to injury, PBKS could look to strengthen their overseas batting pool. The flat tracks and short boundaries in Mohali align perfectly with Brevis' style. Given his familiarity with South African conditions, Brevis could seamlessly adapt and become a valuable addition to Punjab's squad.

Brevis' redemption arc

Dewald Brevis' explosive knock in the SA20 opener has rekindled his potential as a T20 star. While he was overlooked in the IPL auction, his stellar form is bound to catch the attention of franchises. Whether it's Mumbai Indians, KKR, or Punjab Kings, "Baby AB" could soon find himself in the IPL spotlight, proving his critics wrong and cementing his place in T20 cricket.