'Baby AB': Who is Dewald Brevis, being termed as 'AB 2.0' ?

Dewald Brevis, also known as Baby AB de Villiers, from South Africa has registered himself for the upcoming Indian T20 League auction. The 18-year old has created a lot of noise in the ongoing 50-over U-19 World Cup. With his 360-degree playing style, he has earned the nickname 'AB 2.0' and 'Baby AB de Villiers.'

Many have expressed their opinion that he will be South Africa's future star. Since the news of him participating in the mega auctions broke, the internet was taken by a storm. An older picture of him sporting the Bangalore jersey went viral. Many suggested that he could be the player Bangalore may eye in the auction, to groom him and make him a future prospect.

When asked in an interview about his future plans, Brevis said he wants to represent South Africa in all three formats of the game, and also play for Bangalore in the Indian T20 League. Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers are his favourite players, he added.

In a video posted on the official website of the cricket's governing body, he said, “For me, the biggest dream is to play for the Proteas and then I am such a big fan of the IPL, I would love to play for RCB because AB and Kohli are there.”

“Also, all the other T20 competitions around the world. I want to be recognized as an all-rounder with my leg-spin bowling. I want to play all three formats,” he added.

When asked about being compared to AB de Villiers, the 18-year old said, “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.”

Brevis upon meeting AB de Villiers- his role model

In the video, he recalled meeting AB de Villiers. He said, “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.”

The two share a common jersey number, 17. Brevis said he asked AB de Villiers' permission to wear that number and the veteran obliged. "You're welcome," replied de Villiers. It's a big honor for me to wear that jersey, Brevis said.

Brevis in U-19 ICC World Cup

In the four matches that he has played in the U-19 World Cup, Brevis has scored 362 runs at an average of 90.5. He also scored a century against Uganda U-19 in one of the League matches, and he is the highest run-scorer among all teams at the end of League stages. More than 50 per cent of his runs have come in boundaries. He has hit 33 runs and 11 sixes so far.