Fact Check: CSK Under Scanner – Did MS Dhonis Chennai Super Kings Pay Extra To Sign Dewald Brevis In IPL 2025?
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) may have ended weeks ago, but debates surrounding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their signing of Dewald Brevis refuse to die down. The young South African batter, often compared to AB de Villiers for his audacious stroke play, emerged as one of CSK’s most impactful mid-season recruits. However, a recent revelation from Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a heated discussion—did CSK actually pay Brevis more than what the rules allow?
Brevis: A Star Who Shone Bright in Yellow
Signed as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh at ₹2.2 crore, Dewald Brevis was expected to provide batting depth. Instead, he went beyond expectations, hammering 225 runs in just six matches at a staggering strike rate of 180. His fearless batting turned CSK’s fortunes in the latter half of the tournament, making him an instant fan favorite at Chepauk.
From blistering cameos to match-turning innings, Brevis embodied the attacking brand of cricket CSK fans cherish. But now, Ashwin’s comments have raised eyebrows over how exactly CSK managed to convince him to sign mid-season when multiple franchises were reportedly circling.
Ashwin’s Revelation: “CSK Paid Extra”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, R Ashwin disclosed that negotiations for Brevis were far from straightforward.
“He was supposed to be signed at the base price. But what happens is you talk to the agents and the player will say, if you give me X amount extra, I will come. CSK were ready to pay him, hence he came,” Ashwin said.
This statement suggests that CSK may have gone beyond standard replacement rules, possibly paying Brevis a sum higher than his base price of ₹75 lakh, though still capped at Gurjapneet’s fee of ₹2.2 crore.
Did CSK Break IPL Rules?
According to IPL regulations, a replacement player cannot be paid more than the original player he replaces. In this case, since Gurjapneet was bought for ₹2.2 crore, that marked the maximum CSK could offer Brevis.
However, former India opener Aakash Chopra raised concerns about whether franchises have found a workaround.
“Ashwin has disclosed he asked for more money. Is there any provision to give him more than he should have gotten officially? Can the purse limit be broken? Is there a loophole here?” Chopra questioned on his YouTube show.
Chopra further explained that players are entitled to a pro-rata salary, which must fall between the base price and the amount allocated for the injured player. This means Brevis’ official contract couldn’t have exceeded ₹2.2 crore, but Chopra hinted that off-the-record negotiations may have been at play.
Why Brevis Was Worth the Gamble
Regardless of the controversy, CSK’s decision to rope in Brevis proved a masterstroke. His aggressive batting provided stability to a middle order that looked fragile early in the season. More importantly, he injected youthful energy into a team often reliant on seasoned veterans.
Brevis’ performances also highlighted the growing trend of IPL franchises investing heavily in young global talent. Much like Sunrisers Hyderabad’s punt on Heinrich Klaasen or Mumbai Indians’ long-term trust in Brevis before releasing him, CSK’s willingness to spend “extra” reflects the increasing value franchises attach to versatile overseas batters.
What This Means for IPL 2026
Ashwin’s claim that CSK will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a hefty ₹30 crore purse suggests the franchise is already strategizing its future. But the Brevis controversy may push the BCCI and IPL Governing Council to revisit rules around mid-season signings, ensuring absolute transparency.
For Brevis, this episode might only strengthen his market value. With a strike rate touching 180 and an average of 37.50, he will undoubtedly attract fierce bidding wars in the next auction.
