Chennai Super Kings (CSK) swiftly addressed speculation regarding the mid-season acquisition of South African cricketer Dewald Brevis during IPL 2025. The franchise issued a statement on Saturday, asserting the deal was executed “in complete compliance” with tournament regulations. This followed remarks made by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, suggesting CSK might have exceeded the permitted financial terms for the young player.
Brevis, a 21-year-old batsman known as “Baby AB” due to his batting style mirroring AB de Villiers, was a prominent mid-season addition. After going unsold at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, he joined CSK in April, replacing injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who had been signed for Rs 2.2 crore.
Ashwin shared his perspective on the Brevis deal on his channel, sparking discussion. He stated, “I even heard that two-three teams were also talking to him but they had to let him go after not being able to pay extra money. His concept would have been, ‘If I play this season, my value (for the next auction) will go higher’. So he might have told CSK, ‘I’ll need the extra money’. And the team was willing to pay him extra, which is why he came in.”
These comments prompted speculation, with fans questioning whether CSK had violated rules by offering Brevis a higher fee than Gurjapneet’s original auction price.
CSK, however, strongly refuted any such breach. In a comprehensive statement, the franchise clarified that Brevis was signed for Rs 2.2 crore, mirroring Gurjapneet Singh’s auction contract. The signing was strictly in accordance with clause 6.6 of the IPL Player Regulations 2025–27 concerning replacement players. The IPL itself issued a media advisory on April 18, confirming Brevis’s signing under these terms. The statement underscored the transparency of all procedures, which were approved by league authorities.
IPL regulations stipulate that a replacement player cannot be signed for a fee exceeding that of the replaced player. In Brevis’s case, the cap was Rs 2.2 crore, the amount Gurjapneet had been contracted for. Furthermore, regulations mandate that a replacement player’s earnings are reduced proportionally to the matches played prior to their registration, ensuring fairness and preventing salary inflation through mid-season signings.
While the financial aspects dominated the discourse, Brevis’s performance on the field was noteworthy. His fearless batting and innovative stroke play injected dynamism into CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign. The move was also beneficial for Brevis, as he aimed to enhance his prospects for the 2026 mega auction, where his value is expected to increase.
The clarification by CSK aimed to protect their reputation and affirm the contract value of Brevis. The franchise has long prioritized professionalism and adherence to regulations. With the league’s backing, the matter appears settled.
Ashwin’s remarks highlighted how mid-season signings can elevate a player’s market value before future auctions. In Brevis’s case, this strategy may have already proven effective.
Ultimately, Dewald Brevis has once again demonstrated why he is a cricketer to watch, both on the field and in auction proceedings.
