‘I asked him if I can carry that number 17 on my back’ - Dewald Brevis recalls conversation with idol AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers was certainly a class apart and there haven’t been many batters better than him in the history of the game. However, there’s a youngster who has earned nicknames like ‘ABD 2.0’ or ‘Baby AB’ with his blitzes over the 22 yards. The name is Dewald Brevis and he has been tormenting bowlers in the ongoing ICC Under19 World Cup.

With 362 runs in four games, in fact, the South African batter ended the league-stage as the leading run-scorer. This also includes a blistering century. Brevis’ batting stance, his shots and ability to attack bowlers from the outset has made the cricket world draw comparisons between him and De Villiers. Needless to mention, Brevis is overwhelmed with the same and he’s determined to rise to the expectations.

AB de Villiers has always been my role model: Dewald Brevis

At the same time, however, the youngster is also determined to make his own identity. “He (AB de Villiers) is a legend and one of the best in the whole world. I like being compared to him but I would like to have my own identity as Dewald Brevis,” the 18-year-old said in a video posted on the official website of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Meanwhile, Brevis has had a conversation with De Villiers and he recalled the same. While the youngster was overwhelmed with De Villiers’ stature at first, their relationship grew with time. “At first I was overwhelmed, I couldn’t get a word out. I just sat there and listened to him. As the relationship grew, it became easier to speak to him. AB was always my role model,” he added.

It must be noted that Brevis also sports the number 17 jersey, just like his idol did during his playing days. The reason is needless to mention. Brevis also recalled asking De Villiers whether he can sport that number or not.

“He wore the number 17 jersey. I just looked up to that. Then I asked AB if I can carry that number 17 on my back and then he said “You’re welcome”. So it’s a big honour for me to wear that jersey,” said Brevis.