BABY AB EXCLUSIVE
Follow UsHe initially caught the world’s attention for possessing a batting style strikingly similar to that of AB de Villiers, but by the end of 2022 Under 19 World Cup, South Africa’s Dewald Brevis had heads turning through the sheer weight of runs he scored. Player of the Tournament for his record-breaking 506-run campaign, Brevis, at 18, is currently the talk of the town.
Cricket.com exclusively caught up with the youngster, who opened up about a host of things, including his journey.
You came into this U19 World Cup with a lot of expectations and in this competition you have lived up to that. So now how are you dealing with this new limelight?
I am just keeping my feet on the ground, it’s been a memorable few weeks in the West Indies. It was tough to cut all the noise around me, I do think that it helped to challenge and develop the mental side of my game. I am lucky to be surrounded by some incredible people; this includes family, friends, coaches, sponsors, support staff and our Under-19 team.
You must be quite disappointed not to feature at the business end (semi-final and final) of the tournament. What are your takeaways from this U19 World Cup?
I quote AB de Villiers. “No matter how hot the fire burns, a Protea always survives.”
How is this new experience of performing in front of live TV cameras? Does this add an extra pressure on you or are you taking this as an opportunity to impress the national selectors and the scouts around the world?
We had a taste of it in South Africa when the SA U19s played in the Provincial T20 knockout last October. I just love playing in front of live TV cameras. It also gives me the opportunity to watch my innings and review it. I never think of impressing selectors - I just love playing the game.
Against India when you reached your half century your teammates celebrated with a banner with "Baby AB '' written on it. Whose idea was that, and was it preplanned?
The team started teasing me at one of the CSA camps. I can’t remember who started it. You need to ask Hardus Coetzer, he is the guy that held the “Baby AB” banner.
So, when did this whole comparison (between you and ABD) start? Was it at the school level? I know both of you studied on the same school in Pretoria
It started at primary school level. I never intentionally tried to copy AB. I watched him play a lot on TV and at Supersport Park. I always liked the brand of cricket he played. My brother Reinardt says I am playing a fearless game, but I am not reckless. It’s a good summary of who I am as a batter.
Share your experience of meeting AB for the first time
We had supper as a family at Culture Club in Hazelwood Pretoria. It was in May 2019. My brother Reinardt spotted AB and his wife Danielle. I walked over and could not say a word. His wife suggested that we take a photo. The only word that I could say was that it was a big honour to meet him.
Five months later in October 2019, me and my good friend Schalk Engelbrecht were on our way to cricket practice at Affies when a Grade 9 boy rushed to us telling us AB is visiting coach Deon Botes in his office. We dropped everything and ran to Mr. Deon Botes’ office. And there was my hero AB de Villiers. We sat down with him. At first we were so overwhelmed. Then we started asking him questions about cricket and about all the bowlers he has faced. We spent about half an hour with him and missed our cricket practice.
Any special batting tips you received from the great man before coming to this tournament?
Keep things simple and play the game
Apart from AB, do you have any other mentor?
I definitely have to mention the next four mentors in my life. I was very fortunate to have coach Billy Brown as my U14 coach. He also had a passion for leg spin and taught me not just cricket but also lots of life lessons. Mr. Deon Botes is a legend in school cricket in SA. It was a privilege to be coached and mentored by him for the past six years. Instead of sitting in the classroom, I spent many hours in his office chatting cricket. Mr. Deon Botes played a massive role in the cricketer I am today.
I was 12 years old when my path crossed with coach Mandla Mashimbyi. At that stage he was the assistant coach of the Titans. He coached both me and my brother. Coach Mandla is a great coach with amazing talent in coaching the mental side of cricket. He is currently the head coach of the Momentum Multiply Titans. I am very fortunate to be contracted with the Titans, with him as my coach.
Lastly, my brother Reinardt. He has been an inspiration for me since I was a small boy. Thousands of balls he has bowled to me. His knowledge and passion for cricket cannot be described in words. His motivation is priceless.
What is your favourite shot?
Definitely three shots: The 360 shots of de Villiers, Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive and the Cover Drive of Virat Kohli.
Do you consider yourself a proper all-rounder? You must be working on your leg-spin
Yes. I was always an all-rounder since school level. I want to develop and improve my leg-spin. I would love to do one net-session with Shane Warne. He inspired me to take up leg-spin.
Along with ABD, you are a huge Virat Kohli and RCB fan. The mega IPL auction is scheduled to take place soon. So, are you targeting to be there this year or do you still want to work on your game before heading to that stage?
I would love to be in the IPL and learn from top players. The reality is that you can’t choose who to play for in the IPL. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the IPL
Finally, please describe your game (batting strategy) to our audience. Do you always like to go after bowling right from the word go or do you prefer to play according to the match situation? Also, how do you want to develop your game against quality spinners?
I can adjust to game situations. If necessary, I can stay in for a long time and catch up at the end. The best way to develop your game against spin is face quality spin in the nets and in games. Also to learn from experienced batters. I watch a lot of international cricket. You can learn a lot by watching and listening to some of the commentators.
