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CSK's Brevis Included: IPL Superstars Who Could Be Game-Changers In AUS vs SA ODI Series

Debashis Sarangi

IPL players to watch out for in AUS vs SA ODIs [Source: AFP]IPL players to watch out for in AUS vs SA ODIs [Source: AFP]

After securing a clinical 2-1 win in the T20I series, Australia are ready to take on South Africa in a three-match ODI leg on home soil. The first match of the much-awaited series will be played on Tuesday at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. 

With both teams having impactful players throughout their lineup, the eyes will be on several IPL stars who have a golden opportunity to present their case for retention ahead of the next season. As both teams prepare for the ODIs, here are five IPL stars who could be match-winners in the series. 

Dewald Brevis - CSK

Why could Brevis be SA's game-changer in AUS ODIs?

  • Dewald Brevis enjoyed stellar success in the IPL 2025, amassing 225 runs in just six innings at a blistering strike rate of 180. 
  • He followed it up with a string of breathtaking batting performances in the T20I series against Australia, scoring 180 runs, including a century at a strike rate of 204.55. 
  • Therefore, considering his red-hot form, we expect Brevis to play a crucial role for South Africa in the ODI series. 

Travis Head - SRH

Why could Travis Head be a game-changer?

  • Travis Head is a clean striker of the ball. He has been prolific for Australia in ODIs in recent times, slamming 1494 runs at an average of 57.46 and a strike rate of 122.05. 
  • If he survives the new ball spells from the South African pacers, Head can decimate the Proteas attack on true Australian pitches. 

Josh Hazlewood - RCB

Why could Hazlewood be a game-changer?

Criterion
Data
Overs370
Wickets50
Economy4.34
Dot %70.9

(Hazlewood in first 10 overs in ODIs)

  • Josh Hazlewood will lead the Australian pace battery in the absence of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. He can test the South African batters in the powerplay, having registered remarkable numbers in the first ten-over phase in ODIs. 
  • While Hazlewood's nagging accuracy makes him a real threat to the South African batting unit, the fast bowler can generate sideways movement from the decks that are supposed to be fresh and seam-friendly at this time of the year. 

Ryan Rickelton - MI

Why could Rickelton be a game-changer?

Criterion
Data
Innings9
Runs335
Average37.2
Strike Rate94.9

(Ryan Rickelton's ODI record)

  • Ace South African batter Ryan Rickelton has filled Quinton de Kock's void in the Proteas lineup with distinction. The explosive southpaw can frustrate the Australian bowlers with his scintillating stroke-play. 
  • Rickelton has a knack for converting his starts into big scores. Therefore, if the Aussies don't get him early, the young batter could emerge as South Africa's go-to man with the bat in the ODI series. 

Mitch Marsh - LSG

Why could Marsh be a game-changer?

Criterion
Data
Innings24
Runs980
Average44.55
Strike Rate109.13

(Mitchell Marsh's ODI record since 2023)

  • Mitchell Marsh is an excellent player of raw pace. South Africa's first-choice fast bowlers, Rabada, Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Corbin Bosch, generally trouble batters with sheer pace; however, Marsh can be Australia's counter for the Proteas pace quartet. 
  • Marsh is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball. His ability to get on top of the bounce and make the most of the powerplay field restrictions could make him a game-changer in the ODI series.