On September 9, history was scripted at the SA20 Auction as young Dewald Brevis was snapped up by Pretoria Capitals after a bidding war with Jo’burg Super Kings. Brevis became the most expensive player in SA20 Auction at R16.5 million (Rs 8.3 crore approximately). Brevis was roped in for a price much higher than what he got as an injury replacement player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. But, Pretoria Capitals’ new head coach Sourav Ganguly is not concerned about the hefty price tag.
“I never associate performance with money. Leaving aside the R16.5 million, I believe he is a fantastic talent. He plays spin very well, which is extremely important, and taking everything into account, that’s why he went for that price,” Ganguly said.
Brevis’ stocks started rising when he performed well for CSK amidst a poor season for the five-time IPL-winning franchise. He carried forward his form when he was recalled to South Africa’s side for Australia tour. He made it count by registering the second-fastest century for South Africa and highest score against Australia in T20Is.
“I hope he does well,” Ganguly said. “I think he is a tremendous talent. His game has really progressed over the last one and a half year, as we saw against Australia. On that tour, he showed he is a game-changer, and that’s exactly what you need in T20 cricket. We have Russell, Rutherford, who can really step it up, and I hope Brevis does the same.”
Brevis in red-hot T20 form in 2025
In 2025, Brevis has played 34 T20s and scored 995 runs from 30 innings at an average of 43.26 and strike rate of 186.32. He has scored one century and six fifties in the calendar year already.
Pretoria Capitals’ squad for SA20 2026
Retentions and pre-signings: Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell (Wildcard).
Auction picks: Dewald Brevis (R16.5 million), Connor Esterhuizen (R3.2 million), Lizaad Williams (R2.40 million), Lungi Ngidi (R2.3 million), Bryce Parsons (R1.9 million), Keshav Maharaj (R1.7 million), Saqib Mahmood (R1.5 million), Craig Overton (R1 million), Gideon Peters (R400,000), Codi Yusuf (R225,000), Junaid Dawood (R200,000), Will Smeed (R200,000), Meeka eel Prince (R200,000), Bayanda Majola (R200,000), Wihan Lubbe (R200,000), Sibonelo Makhanya (R200,000).