IPL 2025: Kumble Sees Brevis as a Long-Term Asset for CSK
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Synopsis
Former India head coach Anil Kumble sees potential in South African player Dewald Brevis as a future asset for Chennai Super Kings, despite their recent losses. Brevis's performance and CSK's team strategies are discussed.
Key Takeaways
- Anil Kumble praises Dewald Brevis's potential for CSK.
- Brevis scored 42 runs in a challenging match against SRH.
- CSK's middle order requires strengthening.
- Young talents like Rachin Ravindra and Mhatre are crucial for the team's future.
- Experience of bowlers like Nathan Ellis is vital for CSK.
New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) Former Indian head coach Anil Kumble believes that South African prodigy Dewald Brevis has the potential to become a long-term asset for the struggling Chennai Super Kings. CSK faced a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in Chennai, marking their fourth consecutive home loss. Nonetheless, debutant Brevis managed to score a commendable 42 runs off 25 balls, featuring four sixes and a four, helping the team reach a respectable total of 154 following yet another batting collapse this season.
Brevis joined the squad as a replacement for the injured uncapped left-arm fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the ongoing 2025 season.
"His talent for playing spin was notably impressive. Chennai presents a challenging wicket – it’s two-paced, with some deliveries holding up. He has demonstrated this skill in South Africa, both in first-class cricket and in the U-19s, which led him to the IPL. Coming in as a replacement, he wasn’t part of the original squad – reminding me of how one ‘Universe Boss’ (Chris Gayle) entered as a replacement for RCB in 2011 and became a legend. Brevis possesses all the shots. With Rachin Ravindra, Mhatre, and Pathirana, CSK has a young core to nurture. Brevis is poised to be a long-term asset for the franchise," Kumble shared on JioHotstar.
The iconic spinner also expressed his views on CSK's team combinations and the strategic direction they should consider moving forward.
"I believe Ruturaj and Devon Conway – despite Conway not being in peak form – should have opened together. That duo led CSK to victory a couple of years ago. Rachin Ravindra is a remarkable young talent, but he seems a bit rushed in this format – perhaps batting at number three would suit him better," he noted.
"The middle order lacked strength aside from Shivam Dube. With Brevis and Mhatre now getting opportunities, that's encouraging. However, they need to think beyond Pathirana. Nathan Ellis is an experienced death bowler who has delivered previously but hasn’t found his place since the opener. With five matches remaining, now is the ideal time to offer young players a substantial run and start planning for the future," Kumble added.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowler Harshel Patel was instrumental in CSK's collapse, finishing with figures of 4-28 to earn the Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on Patel’s performance, Kumble emphasized his experience and understanding of the format. "Having played this format for a long time, Harshal brings invaluable expertise – especially when bowling in crucial overs. He has been a Purple Cap holder multiple times, and that experience is evident. What stood out was his ability to hit the right lengths, especially at challenging venues like Chennai and Chinnaswamy. Missing length there can lead to easy runs. His natural ability to vary pace was evident today – he bowled very intelligently."
