Dewald Brevis Breaks Records at SA20 2025 Auction, Joins Pretoria Capitals

The SA20 2025 auction turned into one of the most thrilling nights in franchise T20 history, and at the heart of it was South Africa’s prodigy Dewald Brevis. At just 22 years old, Brevis—fondly nicknamed “Baby AB” for his resemblance to AB de Villiers in style and stroke-making—shattered records by becoming the most expensive signing in SA20 history. He was sold to the Pretoria Capitals for an eye-watering 16.5 million rand, beating out fierce competition from the Joburg Super Kings.

This moment not only underlined Brevis’s superstar status in world cricket but also highlighted how franchises are willing to invest heavily in youth who can change the course of matches single-handedly.

The Auction Battle: Pretoria vs Joburg

The bidding for Brevis was nothing short of dramatic. Right from the moment his name was announced, both the Pretoria Capitals and Joburg Super Kings locked horns in a back-and-forth contest. Joburg, who had a strong interest in signing the young star, pushed the price aggressively, but the Capitals—backed by a healthy purse—kept raising the stakes.

When the hammer finally fell at 16.5 million rand, the Capitals had created history, surpassing the previous record set earlier that evening when Aiden Markram was signed by Durban’s Super Giants for 14 million.

Why is Brevis Worth So Much?

The astronomical price tag may surprise casual fans, but Brevis’s performances over the past two years have justified the hype.

• Explosive T20 Form: Across leagues in 2025, Brevis has scored nearly 1,000 T20 runs at a strike rate of over 185, putting him among the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
• Record-Breaking T20I Innings: Earlier this year, he smashed 125 not out off just 56 balls against Australia. It was the highest individual T20I score for South Africa and the second-fastest century by a South African in T20 internationals.
• SA20 Rising Star: In the last SA20 season with MI Cape Town, he scored 291 runs at a staggering strike rate of 184.18 and was named the league’s Rising Star of the Tournament.
• IPL Stint: Brevis impressed as a mid-season replacement for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, scoring 225 runs in six games at a strike rate of 180. His ability to adapt to conditions in India and Australia has made him a global T20 commodity.

Simply put, Brevis is not just a domestic hero—he’s becoming one of the most sought-after young batters in world cricket.

Pretoria Capitals’ Masterstroke

For the Pretoria Capitals, the acquisition is a statement of intent. With coach Sourav Ganguly at the helm, the franchise has blended experience with raw talent. Ganguly hailed Brevis as a “game changer”, emphasizing that his aggressive batting and fearlessness against spin make him a perfect fit for Pretoria’s plans.

The Capitals already boast a strong squad, but adding Brevis gives them a cutting edge at the top of the order. His presence is also expected to attract more fans, boosting the franchise’s brand value.

Auction Highlights Beyond Brevis

While Brevis stole the show, the SA20 2025 auction had several other big stories:

• Aiden Markram was bought by Durban’s Super Giants for R14 million.
• Wiaan Mulder joined Joburg Super Kings for R9 million.
• Anrich Nortje was signed by Sunrisers Eastern Cape for R5 million.
• Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj were secured by Pretoria Capitals, adding balance to their bowling attack.
• Teen prodigy Kwena Maphaka attracted R2.3 million, showcasing the faith franchises are placing in young players.

What’s Next for SA20 Season 4?

The fourth edition of SA20 is scheduled from January 23 to February 24, 2026, with Pretoria Capitals playing their home games at Centurion Park. The league continues to grow as one of the premier T20 competitions, offering a blend of local stars and international talent.

With Brevis now the face of the Pretoria Capitals, expectations are sky-high. Fans will be eager to see if he can live up to his record-breaking price tag and deliver match-winning performances consistently. For Brevis, this season could be career-defining—cementing his status as South Africa’s next global superstar.

Final Thoughts

The Dewald Brevis signing at the SA20 2025 auction isn’t just about numbers—it’s about faith in the future of South African cricket. At 22, Brevis has already shown flashes of greatness, and the Pretoria Capitals have taken a bold bet that he can deliver on the biggest stage.

Whether he becomes the backbone of their success or succumbs to the pressure of expectation will be one of the most compelling storylines of SA20 Season 4. But one thing is certain—the spotlight will firmly be on Baby AB, the costliest player in SA20 history.