Cricket fans, rejoice Dewald Brevis is back in national colours. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named the 22-year-old in the squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Harare, Zimbabwe, featuring hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand. The series, scheduled from July 14 to 26, will mark Brevis’ return to international cricket after almost two years on the sidelines.
The young batter, often referred to as “Baby AB” for his explosive style reminiscent of AB de Villiers, last played a T20I for South Africa in 2023 against Australia. Since then, many fans had been wondering when he’d be back in action for the Proteas. That wait is now over.
Brevis’ call-up for South Africa didn’t come completely out of the blue – it was a reward for producing one of the most exciting displays of batting in the 2024 IPL while playing for Chennai Super Kings. Brevis played in the IPL as a replacement player, and scored 225 runs in just 6 innings at strike rate of 180, which is a good feat in a tough season for the team.
Even though CSK had a rough season, Brevis lit up the middle order with his fearless shot making and composure in pressure situations. His form made waves and brought back conversations about his place within the T20 structure of South Africa.
Van der Dussen to Captain; Youth Takes Centre Stage
With Aiden Markram unavailable for the tour, Rassie van der Dussen will lead the Proteas in Harare. It’s not just the captain who’s new—the entire squad has a fresh, youthful look.
CSA has handed T20I debuts to four uncapped players:
It’s a clear signal that South Africa is looking ahead investing in youth, depth, and versatility. The selection committee seems focused not only on results but on grooming future stars with an eye on major ICC tournaments down the line.
This series will also be a milestone for head coach Shukri Conrad, who will oversee his first T20I assignment since taking over from Rob Walter. Known for his structured, developmental approach, Conrad now has a chance to shape the identity of South Africa’s T20 side in his own way.
Before flying to Harare on July 11, the squad will assemble for a two-day training camp in Pretoria (July 9–10) at the Centre of Excellence, guided by SA A coach Wandile Gwavu. The camp will focus on strategy, bonding, and ironing out combinations before facing international opponents.
Brevis’ return could not have come at a better time. He not only demonstrated the big-hitting capability in his IPL exploits, but the maturity and consistency the national team needs while moving into a new era.
He is looking to play an important role in this tri-series, especially given the side features a combination of experienced heads and new faces. Fans will be observing Brevis’ comfort level in this evolving environment as we as whether he can maintain the franchise success at the international level.
Full South Africa Squad for Harare Tri-Series:
CSA has made its intentions clear: this is about building depth and resilience in the T20I format. The tri-series serves as a testing ground, not just for individual talent, but for future team combinations. With several senior players rested, younger names now have a golden opportunity to prove themselves.
In an official statement, CSA noted, “The team is focused not only on performance but on building depth in the T20I format for future ICC events.”
This tour is more than a collection of matches. It’s a new beginning for South Africa Cricket – a new direction, a fresh energy, and a bunch of players who are hungry and unafraid to take on the world. With Dewald Brevis returning in a new talented young core, the Proteas are building a strong base for future success.
As South Africa heads to Harare with a new captain, new coach, and new players, one certain thing that can be understood is that while the journey has only just begun, the end destination looks pretty darn sweet!
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