South Africa might have not lifted the Under-19 World Cup trophy but it's young phenom Dewald Brevis, who is considered as the 'Baby AB de Villiers' has grabbed everyone's eyeballs with his splendid batting throughout the tournament. Dewald not only broke Shikhar Dhawan's all-time record by mustering 506 runs in the Under-19 World Cup campaign but was also shortlisted for IPL 2022 mega auction.
In an interview, on being asked about his plans for IPL Brevis said," I would love to be in the IPL and learn from top players. The reality is that you can’t choose who to play for in the IPL. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the IPL."
Brevis is often compared to AB de Villiers, who remains one of the most loved cricketers across the globe. Not even a year after Mr. 360 decided to hang up his boots, the cricket world is gearing up to witness the next ABD from South Africa in the form of Brevis.
This year, Brevis has been sensational with the bat for the Protea Colts. He has scored runs at an average of 84. 33, scoring three half-centuries and two hundred in the process.
Other than prolific run-scoring form, it is Brevis' playing style that has earned him the nickname 'Baby AB'. In fact, the original AB de Villiers admitted to have been left stunned when he watched Brevis play for the first time.
"I'll admit I didn't expect much (when we met), until I saw him bat & saw how much potential he has. There are similarities between our styles & attacking nature,” De Villiers had said earlier.
Brevis himself remains a big fan of ABD. In fact the two also played for the same school (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies)). Brevis also wears the No. 17 jersey, like AB.
"During lockdown, I contacted him and I asked him for some advice and he always made time to reply to me," Brevis said in an interview with ICC. "I like the way he explains cricket. He keeps it simple," he added.
The 18-year-old expressed his love playing in front of live TV cameras.
"We had a taste of it in South Africa when the SA U19s played in the Provincial T20 knockout last October. I just love playing in front of live TV cameras. It also gives me the opportunity to watch my innings and review it. I never think of impressing selectors - I just love playing the game," Brevis said.
On being asked about his favourite shot he said," Definitely three shots: The 360 shots of de Villiers, Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive and the Cover Drive of Virat Kohli".
South African colts failed to make their case in the Under-19 World Cup tournament. Meanwhile, India romped England by four wickets to win the ICC U19 World Cup as they lifted a record-extending fifth ICC U-19 World Cup title at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Saturday. The Yash Dhull had earlier won the U-19 World Cup in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018.
