Dewald Brevis remains one of South Africa’s most exciting young batting prospects, a name that first captured global attention during the 2022 ICC U19 World Cup. His fearless strokeplay, explosive run-scoring, and uncanny resemblance to AB de Villiers instantly made him the country’s next big hope. Yet, despite the hype and immense expectations, Brevis’s transition to senior cricket has been a mixed journey so far.
As the 2026 edition of SA20 approaches, beginning December 26, the spotlight on the 22-year-old will intensify even further—this time because he enters the tournament as the league’s most expensive player. Earlier this year, Dewald Brevis played a crucial role in MI Cape Town’s title-winning campaign during the league’s third season. His performances were strong enough to convince Pretoria Capitals to go all out for him during the September 2025 auction, where they secured him for a staggering R16.5 million.
With that price tag naturally comes pressure, something legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis believes could work both ways for the youngster. Kallis acknowledged that Brevis will be carrying the weight of expectation but suggested that such pressure could ultimately help him grow.
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“Yes, he’s going to be under pressure, there’s no doubt. When you fetch a big pay cheque like that, there’s pressure on your shoulders, and it’ll be interesting to see how he handles it. I think being the most expensive player can be a good thing for him,” Jacques Kallis said during an interaction with select media, including News18 CricketNext.
The Proteas great, like many former players, rates Dewald Brevis very highly and believes his breakthrough moment at the senior level is inevitable. However, Kallis stressed that the youngster must refine his game and strike a better balance in his approach.
“He’s very aggressive, and at times perhaps too aggressive. He needs to learn when to attack and when to take his time. But he’ll work it out—he’s still young and more than good enough,” he said.
Brevis enjoyed a standout 2025 SA20 campaign, scoring 291 runs at a blistering strike rate of 184.17 while batting in the lower order. His ability to change games in a handful of deliveries earned widespread praise, and Kallis hopes the upcoming season will be the one where Brevis truly stamps his authority.
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“We certainly hope he has a massive SA20. It’ll be huge for him personally and for South African cricket. We’re all watching with bated breath, hoping he realises his talent,” Jacques Kallis added. The all-rounder also offered a final piece of advice: stay grounded. “If he keeps his feet on the ground, the best is still yet to come. Hopefully, that moment isn’t far away.”
With the tournament nearing, the cricket world waits eagerly to see whether Dewald Brevis can finally rise to the moment and justify the faith—and investment—placed in him.
