IPL 2026: ‘Should play like that no matter what’ – Dewald Brevis hails ‘special’ Ayush Mhatre

Chennai Super Kings batter Dewald Brevis was glad after making his long-awaited appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Brevis was part of the CSK XI against Delhi Capitals but was not required to bat in the team’s 23-run win at home. CSK made it back-to-back wins as they trumped Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs in Chennai on Aprul 14, having started the season with a hat-trick of losses.

Brevis, who missed the first three games with a side strain, admitted that he enjoyed being on the park

after recovering from the injury: He scored a well-paced 41 off 29 with four fours and two sixes as CSK amassed 192 for 5 on the board before restricting the visiting side short.

"It was fun; I enjoyed it. It was great to be out here in front of the crowd; it was very special. And yeah, just spending time getting to know the wicket. It was a bit different compared to the other night, but yeah, lots of fun. It was absolutely great to dive around on the field as well, to have a good swing with the bat, and just get a feel for it. It feels like I’ve gained some confidence because it wasn’t nice being out with a side strain. But yeah, I feel strong, and I’m glad we got the win,” Brevis told JioHotstar.

Brevis also shared his views on fellow prodigy Ayush Mhatre, lauding the 18-year-old for his fearless batting style and aggressive intent. Mhatre smacked a quickfire 17-ball 38 with six fours and two sixes against KKR.

"Mhatre is special, he’s young, and he plays the way he does. That’s my wish for him: to continue being true to himself, have fun, and play like that no matter what. You will have ups and downs in your career, but it’s brilliant to see how he plays. He basically plays ball by ball, reacting and hitting it where it needs to go."

CSK, who are placed eighth in the points table after the victory over KKR, will be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday, April 18.