Dewald Bervis’ debut for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) turned out to be one of the best things that happened for the yellow brigade this season. Not only did he score fast, the need of the hour for the Chennai side, but he also struck boundaries at ease in spin-friendly conditions.
This provoked the former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain to compare him to Chris Gayle, an IPL and RCB legend. The comparison was drawn because of Brevis’ sudden introduction into the league as a replacement player for an injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh, after having not been picked in the auction earlier.
It has an eerie resemblance to how Gayle was not picked in the IPL 2011 auction and later replaced an injured Dirk Nannes in the RCB squad.
Both Gayle and Brevis endured poor last IPL seasons before not getting picked in auction. Gayle, in the 2010 season, scored only two fifties and was not bought in the next auction. Brevis, in IPL 2024, could score only 69 runs in his first three games with a high score of 46.
Comparing the two, Kumble said, “He came in as a replacement and wasn’t even part of the squad originally, and that reminds me of how one ‘Universe Boss’ (Chris Gayle) too walked in as a replacement for RCB in 2011 and became an icon.”
Talking about Brevis’ skillset, Kumble said, “His ability to play spin really stood out. Chennai isn’t easy. It’s a two-paced wicket where the odd ball holds up. He’s done it before in South Africa, in first-class cricket, and at the U-19 level, which is how he came into the IPL.”
“Brevis has all the shots. With Rachin Ravindra, Mhatre, and Pathirana, CSK has a young core to build on. Brevis has the potential to be a long-term asset for the franchise,” added the 54-year-old.
India
