South Africa youngster Dewald Brevis has said there is always outside noise “whether you play SA20 or World Cup” and it does not affect him as he prepares for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 22-year-old explosive batsman, currently playing for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league, emphasized his focus on enjoying his game and maintaining his natural approach regardless of the magnitude of the tournament.

“It stays a cricket game, it stays a ball”

Brevis, who has impressed with his aggressive batting style since bursting onto the international scene, shared his mindset ahead of the global tournament that begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

“It’s always outside noise, whether you play SA20, whatever you play. Whether it’s the World Cup or whatever, it stays a cricket game, it stays a ball, a white ball, and whatever it is, I’m just going to enjoy it and just play how I always play. There’s always outside noise. It doesn’t affect me,” he said.

“I think it’s great. It’s exciting. If I look at everyone, there’s form, and everyone’s form is just building. But we focus on the now, and that’s the SA20, and we’re having fun here. It’s super exciting for the World Cup that’s around the corner,” Brevis told reporters.

Impressive T20I record

Dewald Brevis made his T20I debut against Australia at Durban in August 2023. Since then, the 22-year-old has played 19 matches, scoring 469 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 173.70. He has one century and as many half-centuries in T20Is, establishing himself as one of the most destructive young batsmen in world cricket.

His aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowling attacks have drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers, earning him the nickname “Baby AB” among fans and pundits.

Maharaj reveals World Cup approach

Recently, Pretoria Capitals captain Keshav Maharaj revealed his approach ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The left-arm spinner is part of South Africa’s 15-member squad for the upcoming marquee tournament and will lead the Proteas’ spin attack.

The 35-year-old has played 40 T20Is, picking 38 wickets at an average of 26.50 after making his debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2021.

Currently, Maharaj is leading the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. After his side clinched a 15-run win over Durban Super Giants in Durban on Wednesday, Maharaj told reporters that he is not thinking too far ahead about the World Cup.

“Not to think too far ahead, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to get match practice under our belt. We’ve only played one series in India now. So, it’s a wonderful opportunity building up towards that,” Maharaj said.

Trust the process in T20 cricket

Asked about the nature of T20 cricket, the veteran replied that you have to trust the process and keep working hard, accepting the unpredictable nature of the format.

“Look at T20 cricket, sometimes you go for runs, sometimes you pick up wickets, sometimes you are economical. You keep trusting your processes and keep working hard. Sometimes the wheel does turn, sometimes it doesn’t. Unfortunately, that is life, but I was always in a positive frame of mind,” he said.