Dewald Brevis Discusses Lessons Learned from MS Dhoni at CSK
Dewald Brevis, the rising star of the Chennai Super Kings, known as “Baby AB,” has shared valuable insights he gained from being around cricket legend MS Dhoni. Brevis emphasized that one of the most impactful lessons he learned is about the distinction between confidence and overconfidence—a lesson he continues to cherish during his time at CSK.
Brevis joined the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, stepping in as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. Reflecting on his time with the iconic team, he highlighted Dhoni’s influence as significant right from the start.
“Talking to MS Dhoni has been great,” Brevis mentioned. “The best advice I got from him was during my first year. He talked about the differences between confidence and overconfidence, urging me to lean more towards confidence. That advice has really stuck with me,” he explained.
The young South African cricketer also noted that simply watching Dhoni in action has been an invaluable learning experience. “Being around him, you see how he conducts himself both on and off the field. His humility and genuine nature are inspiring,” Brevis said.
Even though Dhoni has been sidelined by injury for most of IPL 2026, his presence continues to inspire the team. “He has faced various challenges in his career and has delivered amazing performances. Just watching him has taught me so much,” Brevis added.
Dewald Brevis’s Journey with CSK
Since joining Chennai Super Kings, Brevis has made a notable impact. During IPL 2025, he joined the team as a replacement and quickly transformed the middle order. He scored 225 runs in just six matches with an impressive average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 180.00. Brevis, who gained the nickname “Baby AB” for his playing style similar to that of AB de Villiers, became one of the most exciting players to watch, hitting 17 sixes in just six innings.
One of his standout performances was against Gujarat Titans, where he scored a brilliant 57 runs off 23 balls, showcasing his talent and helping CSK secure victories. His phenomenal debut season prompted CSK to retain him for the 2026 season as part of their long-term plans.
However, this season has been less eventful for Brevis. In 10 matches during IPL 2026, he has scored 143 runs, averaging 20.43 with a strike rate of 132.41, mainly playing in the middle order. Despite the struggles, he has shown flashes of brilliance, including a crucial 44 runs off 27 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 41 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.
CSK sees great potential in Brevis as a key player for the future.
MS Dhoni’s Mysterious Absence in IPL 2026
The 2026 IPL season has been unusual for the Chennai Super Kings, mainly due to MS Dhoni’s prolonged absence caused by an injury. Initially, a calf strain during training was expected to keep him out for just a short time, but he faced several setbacks, including a thumb injury, which ultimately kept him from participating all season.
Dhoni ended up missing 14 consecutive matches without officially returning to the team. However, his presence loomed large even when he wasn’t on the field. During a notable moment in CSK’s final home game, Dhoni appeared in full CSK gear to join the team for a photograph, sparking huge celebrations among fans despite not playing.
For younger players like Brevis, Dhoni remains a vital influence regardless of his physical absence. His experience and charisma continue to guide the team, proving that even in silence, his impact is hard to overlook.
