Why No Dewald Brevis For CSK After The Fall Of Two Wickets vs SRH?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Dewald Brevis [Source: @MSDian067/x.com]Dewald Brevis [Source: @MSDian067/x.com]

Chennai Super Kings made an unexpected tactical decision in their lineup against Sunrisers Hyderabad, choosing not to send IPL debutant Dewald Brevis to open the batting. The young South African talent, nicknamed "Baby AB" for his resemblance to AB de Villiers' batting style, instead waited in the dugout as Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre took guard at the crease.

The Powerplay Problem

Analysis of Brevis's previous IPL performances reveals a telling pattern that likely influenced CSK's decision. Despite his explosive reputation, Brevis has struggled during the powerplay overs, scoring just 81 runs from 69 balls at a strike rate of 117.39. This moderate strike rate during the field restriction phase falls well below his overall capability and suggests a vulnerability when facing the new ball.

Furthermore, with three dismissals during this phase in his previous IPL stint, CSK's think tank clearly identified this as a potential weakness to address rather than expose. SRH's new ball attack featuring Mohammed Shami, who has already claimed a wicket with the first delivery, presents a formidable challenge for even experienced batters.

The Spin Factor

Interestingly, contrary to general perception, Brevis's IPL numbers actually show him performing slightly better against spin than pace. His strike rate against spinners stands at 133.33 with no dismissals from 18 deliveries faced, compared to 130.38 against pacers where he's been dismissed 10 times.

However, CSK's analytical approach likely considered the specific SRH spin attack rather than general statistics. The Chepauk pitch's historical assistance to spinners might have further influenced the decision to shield Brevis initially.

Middle-Order Firepower

By positioning Dewald Brevis in the middle order—at number five —CSK appears to be grooming him for the finisher's role where his aggressive batting can be maximized against both pace and spin in the latter overs. This aligns with CSK's traditional approach of carefully integrating new overseas talent before thrusting them into high-pressure situations.

The dew factor at Chepauk typically makes batting easier as the match progresses, potentially allowing Brevis to showcase his full array of strokes with less risk. His reputation as a 360-degree player makes him particularly suited to counter defensive bowling strategies in the death overs.

The Dhoni Blueprint

This calculated integration into the CSK setup bears the hallmark of MS Dhoni's methodical approach to team building. Throughout CSK's history, many overseas players have been gradually eased into specific roles rather than immediately deployed as advertised.

The decision to hold Brevis back even after two wickets suggests CSK may be preserving him for a specific phase of the game, possibly against particular bowlers or once the field restrictions are lifted. This level of strategic depth speaks volumes about CSK's long-term vision for Brevis, viewing him not merely as a temporary replacement but as a strategic asset being developed for specific match situations.