'I couldn’t get the words out': CSK star opens up on nervous encounter with AB de Villiers

South Africa’s young batting sensation Dewald Brevis has shared a heartwarming story of how he first met his idol AB de Villiers. Brevis admitted that he was so nervous at the time that he could barely muster the courage to ask for a picture, but eventually, the meeting changed the course of his cricket journey. Brevis, who made his international debut against Australia in August 2023 and has since represented his country in 14 matches across formats, has long been compared to de Villiers. His ability to play innovative strokes and his striking resemblance to the South African great have earned him the nickname ‘Baby AB’. Speaking to SuperSport, Brevis recalled spotting de Villiers at a restaurant while out with his family. “AB and his wife walked past us and I just froze. I wanted to ask for a picture but I couldn’t get the words out. Then his wife said, ‘AB, come for a picture,’ and that’s how I got my first photo with him,” Brevis said. A few days later, Brevis got another chance at a school event. “Someone told us AB was at the school and we rushed to see him. I was still star-struck and could hardly say anything. As he was about to leave, I suddenly asked, ‘AB, you can say no, but can I please have your number.’ He gave it to me, and later I sent him a message just to thank him,” Brevis revealed. That simple exchange turned into a lasting bond. With the world soon going into lockdown, Brevis and de Villiers stayed in touch, and what began as an idol-fan moment gradually evolved into a mentor-mentee relationship.