Dewald Brevis wants to break into the Proteas squads in all formats and become “the best cricketer that has ever lived”.
The former SA U19 star made his senior Proteas debut in a T20I home series against Australia in August 2023, scoring five and nought, and has not worn the green and gold since.
While Brevis has so far failed to live up to his reputation in T20 franchise cricket, he had a good domestic 2023-24 season for the Titans, scoring 372 runs in the One-Day Cup at an average of 53.14, which saw him named the Domestic One-Day Player of the Year, and 447 runs in the 4-Day Domestic Series, averaging 40.63.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Brevis revealed his goals for the upcoming season, which gets underway with the T20 Challenge on Friday.
“I want to get into all the Proteas squads, to be an all-format player. I want to be noticed as an all-rounder, not just a batter. I hope in the new season I really get more opportunities with the ball,” said Brevis, who took 4-46 with his leg-spin for South Africa A in a one-day match against Sri Lanka A earlier this month.
“I want to be the best Dewald Brevis, play with a smile, enjoy the game and do my best,” he added. “If I do that, put in the hard work, I know exactly what will happen.”
Brevis also made it clear he doesn’t want to be compared to AB de Villiers or called “Baby AB”, but to become the best version of himself.
“It’s interesting … I’m never happy or satisfied with my performance, I feel that’s dangerous. When you think you’ve ‘made it’ or you’ve achieved something great, the game will bring you back down to earth very quickly. I’m always in competition with myself. I want to be Dewald Brevis.”
While the 21-year-old has been brought down to earth at times over the past two years, it certainly hasn’t affected his self-confidence.
“I know exactly what I want,” he said. “I want to inspire people. I want to be the best cricketer that has ever lived. I will do whatever it takes to do that.”
MORE: Why Brevis wasn’t picked for Proteas
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
