Dewald Brevis has responded to recent criticism from former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs regarding his game management in the ongoing SA20 tournament. Gibbs' critique followed Brevis' low scores for the Pretoria Capitals in their recent matches. Brevis, however, appears unfazed, suggesting the opinions of former players hold little weight for him now.
Gibbs initially took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns after Brevis scored only 12 runs off 5 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, in a chase of 189. Gibbs questioned the coaching Brevis was receiving, stating, "Would love to know what the coaches are saying to this Brevis boy, his not showing any signs of game management even though he's played plenty t20s already". He further added that Brevis needed to take more responsibility, but didn't seem inclined to do so.
The criticism came on the heels of another disappointing performance against Joburg Super Kings, where Brevis managed only 6 runs off 6 balls while chasing a target of 167. These performances have led to questions about Brevis' temperament and approach, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching.
Despite the criticism, Brevis remains confident. In a candid interview, he addressed Gibbs' comments, saying, "These legends not playing anymore, doesn’t affect me. I respect what they have done, but I am focused on my game and what I need to do for my team."
Brevis' response highlights a growing trend of modern cricketers prioritizing their own processes and team strategies over external opinions. While acknowledging the achievements of past players, he asserts his focus remains on his own performance and contributing to the Pretoria Capitals' success in the SA20 tournament.
Despite his confidence, the pressure is on Brevis to justify his hefty price tag. The Pretoria Capitals acquired him for R16.5 million (approximately INR 8.30 crore), making him the most expensive player in the SA20 auction. While he played a crucial role in MI Cape Town's title win last season, his recent form has not lived up to expectations.
However, Dale Steyn has praised Brevis's six-hitting ability, noting his capacity to dispatch balls over the boundary with proper cricket shots rather than slogs. Steyn highlighted Brevis's confidence and training, suggesting he has the skills to succeed at the highest level.
As the SA20 season progresses, Brevis will be looking to silence his critics and prove his worth as a valuable asset to the Pretoria Capitals. His response to Gibbs' criticism indicates a strong self-belief and determination to perform, regardless of external pressures. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether Brevis can live up to his potential and help his team achieve success.
