Anil Kumble has touted Dewald Brevis to be the next CSK star in the IPL. (BCCI)Even as Chennai Super Kings endure one of their most challenging seasons, legendary spinner Anil Kumble believes the seeds of a brighter future are already being sown, with Dewald Brevis at the heart of it.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble offered glowing praise for the young South African, who has emerged as a rare positive in an otherwise difficult campaign.
“His ability to play spin really stood out. Chennai isn’t easy. It’s a two-paced wicket where the odd ball holds up,” Kumble said. “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’ arrival itself is a story in itself. Drafted in mid-season as an injury replacement, his impact has been immediate, evoking memories of another famous late entrant.
“He came in as a replacement, 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,” Kumble remarked.
Drawing such parallels is no casual endorsement. For Kumble, Brevis’ range of strokes, composure under pressure, and maturity on tough wickets like Chennai’s make him a player CSK must now build around.
“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.”
Kumble also reflected on Chennai’s team choices this season, suggesting that greater continuity. particularly at the top of the order, could have helped. But with qualification hopes fading, he urged CSK to view the final stretch as a platform to prepare for the future.
“With five games left, it’s the perfect time to give youngsters a decent run and start building for the future.”
Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu, also speaking on the show, shared a similar sentiment, seeing this season’s setbacks as a harsh but necessary reminder.
“I know it’s the lowest of lows, but it’s also a great learning for CSK,” Rayudu said. “Even MS Dhoni has acknowledged that the game has moved on. From here on, they’ll be very, very vigilant about evolving with the game.”
Rayudu pointed to Brevis and Mhatre’s emergence as major positives, suggesting that such transitions often require painful resets.
“Sometimes, it takes a season like this to ground a team and remind them that the game is always bigger than us. You have to stick to the basics and stay humble,” he added.
As a new era beckons for CSK, the emergence of Brevis could be the story that offers fans hope.
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