AB de Villiers Explains His CSK 'Masterstroke' Comments About Dewald Brevis

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-30 13:34:38 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-30 21:07:53

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AB de Villiers has clarified his recent comments about Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) "masterstroke" in signing Dewald Brevis, saying he didn't mean to suggest any disrespect to his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The South African veteran clarified that he was simply praising CSK for identifying Brevis' potential and giving the young player an opportunity to perform at a bigger stage.

AB de Villiers' praise for the CSK 'masterstroke' of signing Dewald Brevis created quite a stir on social media. Earlier this week, the former RCB captain and veteran batsman had expressed his surprise at CSK picking Brevis, calling it a "masterstroke" and adding, "I hope he gets the chances he deserves."

His comments surfaced around the same time when Ravichandran Ashwin, another former CSK player, criticized the team's management for failing to provide chances to young players. A fan had asked Ashwin on Twitter if he was referring to CSK when he wrote, "Sadly, most franchises have forgotten the way to groom youngsters." To which, the off-spinner replied, "Yes, it's the same."

But now, AB de Villiers has clarified his remarks, saying they were misinterpreted. "I haven't said anything about RCB or any team for that matter. All I said was that CSK had identified Brevis and gave him an opportunity to play at a bigger platform, and that's all I meant by masterstroke," de Villiers told Sportskeeda.

"I only tried to compliment CSK for putting their faith in him , and I think that's amazing. I only had good things to say about how RCB has handled me over the years," he added.

De Villiers also assured that he has no interest in getting involved in any controversy or creating any issues for his former teams. "I don't want to get into any controversies or bring any teams into it. I have so much respect for CSK and RCB, and I have so many friends in both camps. I will always have a lot of love and respect for both the franchises," he said.

The 37-year-old further highlighted the importance of giving young players a platform to succeed at the biggest stage, as CSK did with Brevis. "It's always important to give opportunities to youngsters. When you come from overseas, you don't know what you're signing up for. You need someone to give you a bit of confidence and put you in a position to succeed. That's exactly what CSK has done with Brevis," said de Villiers.

CSK's 'masterstroke' signing of Brevis, also known as the 'white-ball wizard', didn't pay immediate dividends in terms of on-field performance. Brevis managed only 107 runs in 8 innings in his debut IPL season, and CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, the franchise's belief in the 20-year-old's potential was vindicated when Brevis became the highest scorer in the inaugural season of the SA20 league, averaging 64.40 with four half-centuries in nine matches for the Johannesburg Super Kings.

"Given the amount of talent we have seen coming out of South Africa, I think he is another one to add to the list. He's a very talented kid with a lot of flair," said de Villiers. "He looks like an exciting prospect, and he's someone who can ramp up the game and play his shots. I think he will do well in the future; he has a bright future ahead of him," he added, complimenting Brevis and highlighting his potential to succeed at the international level.

De Villiers concluded by emphasizing the importance of identifying young talents and providing them with the opportunities and mentorship they need to succeed. "I've always believed that you should give opportunities to youngsters and give them guidance. That's how you build a good team and a good franchise," he said.

"When you have the right people around you, you allow yourself to perform at your best. So, I think franchises that do well are the ones that identify talent and then give them guidance," he added.

Go!