He is still just 18, but South Africa U-19 star Dewald Brevis' life is about to change in a massive way.
Nicknamed 'Baby AB' because of the similarities he shares with Proteas legend AB de Villiers when it comes to batting style and technique, Brevis was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for R6 million over the weekend.
Fans out of India were quick to welcome their new acquisition, and almost overnight, Brevis has received more attention than some players do throughout their entire professional careers.
With De Villiers being as much of a legend in India as he was in South Africa, it didn't take long for the comparisons to start, with even the Mumbai Indians themselves making that link.
Then, on Monday, Brevis gave just a glimpse into why he is rated to highly with a fine knock of 46* (30) in seeing the Titans home in their CSA T20 Challenge clash against the Dolphins in Gqeberha.
Batting at No 3, Brevis carved four 4s and two 6s to lead his side to a comfortable win with 15 balls remaining.
Brevis launched himself onto the international stage at the recently-completed U-19 World Cup where his 506 runs made him the highest run scorer in the tournament.
Ever since then, the cricketing world has been talking about him, and that has only been amplified since he signed for Mumbai.
Below is some of the social media attention that has come his way.
Our latest young talent, Dewald Brevis has struck a gritty 4?6?* of 30 balls to pull @Titans_Cricket to glory! ??#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #CSAT20Challenge @OfficialCSA pic.twitter.com/iKcLJLpAyz
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 14, 2022
Dewald Brevis getting picked for 400,000 USD in IPL is such a feel-good story. Immensely talented youngster we recently witnessed in ICC U19 World Cup. He scored 506 runs (a tournament record) & hit 18 sixes (another record). 18 yo with a potential to be a future legend. #BabyAB
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) February 12, 2022
So glad Dewald Brevis lives in South Africa. Indian media would have eaten him alive by now. Such an exciting talent! Please stay injury free! Last time I backed an 18 year old, he s been out injured for eternity ????
— varna_t (@varnat3) February 14, 2022
Prodigal talent. Future superstar. ??
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 12, 2022
Very excited to see Baby AB in the Blue & Gold ????#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AalaRe #IPLAuction @Dewald17Brevis pic.twitter.com/MJwh25lxPG
It's an honour to be compared with the greatest of the game @ABdeVilliers17 but I would like my own identity as @Dewald17Brevis ??
— Dewald Brevis (@Dewald17Brevis) February 13, 2022
Dewald Brevis is 18. Raw, talented, just starting, and he's landed himself at one of cricket's finest ecosystems.The young man can walk miles frm here. Mumbai Indians will give him all he wants. Only bit he must do is stay dedicated.Could be a winning combo in time to come.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) February 13, 2022