'I want to be the best cricketer that has ever lived': Mumbai Indians' 21-year-old overseas recruit makes big statement ahead of IPL mega auction

Nicknamed as ‘Baby AB’, South Africa’s Dewald Brevis shot to fame when he broke Shikhar Dhawan's record for most runs in an Under-19 World Cup edition. He was picked by five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) but the 21-year-old is yet to realise his full potential. Ahead of the IPL retentions and mega auction, Brevis expressed that he wants to play for the senior side in all three formats.
 

“I want to get into all the Proteas squads, to be an all-format player. I want to be noticed as an all-rounder, not just a batter. I hope in the new season I really get more opportunities with the ball," he told South Africa’s Sunday Times. 
 

"I’m never happy or satisfied with my performance, I feel that’s dangerous. When you think you’ve ‘made it’ or you’ve achieved something great, the game will bring you back down to earth very quickly. I’m always in competition with myself. I want to be Dewald Brevis," he added.
 

Brevis who played just two T20Is has set high standards for himself. He wants to be the best cricketer in the history of the game.
 

“I want to be the best Dewald Brevis, play with a smile, enjoy the game and do my best. If I do that, put in the hard work, I know exactly what will happen. I know exactly what I want. I want to inspire people. I want to be the best cricketer that has ever lived. I will do whatever it takes to do that,” the youngster said.

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Brevis’ IPL numbers

Brevis is yet to make his name in the IPL. In his debut season, he scored 161 runs from seven innings averaging 23. He missed his maiden fifty by just one run. In IPL 2024, he got limited opportunities and scored 69 runs from three innings. His strike rate dropped from 142.47 to 116.94.

ALSO READ: LLC 2024: Shikhar Dhawan's fifty and former KKR spinner's 6 for 17 in vain as Dinesh Karthik's Super Stars win by 26 runs
 

Brevis' recent performances 

Recently, Brevis played two List A games and one first-class encounter for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A at home. He registered scores of 39 and 9 in the white-ball games. The leg-spinner was lethal with the ball taking four wickets in second game. In the first-class game, he contributed with scores of 49 and 74.
 

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