IPL 2026: ‘He has so much knowledge’ – Dewald Brevis opens up on sharing dressing room with MS Dhoni

South Africa’s young superstar Dewald Brevis has opened up on what it is like to be around the great MS Dhoni, and the learnings he has received from the veteran wicketkeeper.

Brevis and Dhoni have shared a dressing room at the Chennai Super Kings, with the South African being signed as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh in the 2025 season. The young batter elaborated on how Dhoni goes about his business with the same humility that is visible on the field. The veteran is yet to feature in the 2026 IPL, as he nurses a calf injury.

“Whenever I’ve been in the environment where he is and just seeing how he does his things and the way he lives, the person he is, he’s just being himself, and that’s really amazing to see, and also how humble he is and the way he carries himself. Whenever he’s on the field or off the field, I’ve seen both of that, and it’s just to look up to. I really love the way he is in that way,” Brevis said, speaking to the press.

He’s got so much knowledge. He’s been in so many different situations, he’s played so many different knocks and amazing knocks, and it’s just learning from him just by watching sometimes. And it’s amazing to have him. Like he’s been part of us as when it comes to training and stuff. I wish he could have played, like I think a lot of people wish that,” he added.

This is not Brevis’ first rodeo in the IPL. He was signed as a prodigy by CSK’s arch rivals Mumbai Indians in 2022, and he stayed there till 2024. He mentioned that the first piece of advice he got from the legendary wicketkeeper came in 2022 when he was still plying his trade at the Wankhede Stadium.

“One of the best advices I got from MS (Dhoni) was my first year actually of IPL, and I wasn’t yet at Chennai, but he told me ‘you get two sides, you get overconfidence and confidence, and just be more on the side of confidence.’ And that’s been the one piece of advice that really stuck with me from him,” said Brevis.

‘It’s been the best decision ever’ – Brevis on playing for CSK

Brevis had a brilliant season with the bat in 2025, scoring 225 runs in six games at a strike rate of 180. He has not been able to recreate a similar impact in 2026, scoring 143 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 132.41. Despite this, he remains one of the cornerstones of the Super Kings‘ outfit. He spoke of how it has felt to be part of the dressing room at the Chepauk, and how welcomed he has felt with the team. 

“It’s been so special. Since I’ve joined Chennai, the love that I’ve gotten from the franchise and especially from the fans, it’s something that I cherish very deeply. And that feeling you get every time you walk out to bat and whenever you’re on the field or wherever, it’s hard to describe. It’s a feeling you get, and it’s so special, and always remember it for sure. But yeah, it’s been the best decision ever to come as that replacement player to Chennai. It’s just been amazing, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and my game here. The city of Chennai is also amazing. I really enjoy it,” Brevis said.