Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their seventh defeat of IPL 2025 when they went down to Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former India captain Anil Kumble, however, is ecstatic about 21-year-old Dewald Brevis. On Friday, in his debut for CSK, Brevis smashed 42 off 25 balls against SRH, hitting four sixes and a four.

Kumble, a legendary leg-spinner, heaped praise on the right-handed batter and forecast a bright future for the South African player.

“His ability to play spin really stood out. Chennai is not easy - it is a two-paced wicket where the odd ball holds up,” Kumble said. “He has 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 had gone unsold in the auction but was later picked by CSK for Rs 2.2 crore as a replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. It reminded Kumble of another cricketer who came in as a replacement for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011.

“He came in as a replacement, was not 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.

Kumble is also impressed by Brevis' range of strokes, composure under pressure, and maturity on tough wickets like Chennai’s.

“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," stated Kumble.

Kumble also spoke about CSK's struggles in 2025. “With five games left, it is the perfect time to give youngsters a decent run and start building for the future.”

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