Former South African batting star Herschelle Gibbs has publicly questioned the coaching and mindset of young prodigy Dewald Brevis, following another underwhelming performance in the ongoing SA20 league. Brevis, the most expensive player in the tournament's auction history, managed only 12 runs from five balls for the Pretoria Capitals in a crucial chase against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Monday.
Gibbs' Scathing Critique on Social Media
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gibbs did not mince his words regarding the 21-year-old's recent struggles. "Would love to know what the coaches are saying to this Brevis boy, he's not showing any signs of game management even though he's played plenty T20s already," Gibbs tweeted. The criticism went deeper, targeting the batter's apparent attitude. "More responsibility must come from him but he doesn't give me the impression he wants that," he added, concluding ominously, "Batting is about habits and that's not a good sign for him."
This public critique comes at a time when Brevis, often dubbed 'Baby AB' for his resemblance to the legendary AB de Villiers, is experiencing a notable dip in form. The situation is magnified by his staggering price tag. Brevis was bought for a record R16.5 million by the Pretoria Capitals at the SA20 auction, making him the league's costliest-ever player. This investment followed a pivotal role he played in the middle order for MI Cape Town during their title-winning campaign last season.
The Weight of Expectation and Past Praise
The contrast between Gibbs' current assessment and past admiration for Brevis's talent is stark. Former Proteas pace spearhead Dale Steyn has previously heaped praise on the youngster's exceptional power-hitting. Speaking as an expert on 'Cricket Live', Steyn had analysed Brevis's 34-ball 54, which included five sixes, in a previous match.
"There has been a lot of talk about Brevis and his six-hitting ability for a while, even from his Under-19 days," Steyn had said. He emphasised that the batter's clean striking was not mere slogging. "He has that capability, and batters aren't looking to leave the ball anymore. They have the confidence to clear the rope, not with a slog but with good cricket shots. They train that way," Steyn explained, highlighting the technical foundation behind Brevis's aggressive style.
What's Next for the Young Star?
Gibbs' comments have ignited a debate within South African cricket circles about the development of young, highly-touted players under immense commercial and performance pressure. The core question is whether Brevis is receiving the right guidance to navigate the challenges of professional cricket beyond just his natural talent.
The onus is now on both the Pretoria Capitals' coaching staff and Brevis himself to address these concerns. With the SA20 season in full swing, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if the record-signing can rediscover the form that once prompted comparisons to one of the game's greats and justify the massive faith—and finances—invested in him.
