THE IPL SERIES: BETWAY SA20 STARS SET TO SHINE - PART 1

The Indian Premier League is almost upon us with the tournament opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad set for Saturday. 

In a two-part series, Betway SA20 features a half-dozen of established South African stars and rapidly rising prodigies that are set to hit the IPL with a bang.

DEWALD BREVIS

Chennai Super Kings | Pretoria Capitals

#The Role: Middle-order dynamo

What He Brings: 

Brevis landed in the laps of Chennai Super Kings almost by chance when he was signed up as a replacement player last season. He immediately showed his value with 227 runs at an average of 37.50 and strike rate of 180, highlighted by his blistering 57 off 23 balls against Gujarat Titans.

The 22-year-old has matured even more since after a couple of breathtaking innings in the Betway SA20 playoffs, including a magical century for Pretoria Capitals in Season 4 final.

After a few years drifting up and down the line-up, Brevis has solidified his position at No.4 where he has the rare ability to attack world-class spinners in the middle overs and clear the ropes effortlessly.

Brevis is absolute box-office and his firepower will go a long way to rebuilding the once mighty Chennai Super Kings.

TRISTAN STUBBS

Delhi Capitals | Sunrisers Eastern Cape

#The Role: Death-overs enforcer 

What He Brings: 

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper boasts an enviable IPL record of 705 runs at an average of 41.47 at a strike rate of 163.19, and is therefore regarded as one of the best finishers in the competition. 

He has been particularly good at the Delhi Capitals, averaging over 50 the past two seasons. Stubbs’ provides an intimidating presence in the lower-middle with the muscle power to clear the boundary almost at will. 

The key to his success is his ability to access all areas of the ground through his 360-degree hitting capabilities. He is also one of the most athletic fielders in the competition capable of producing a game-changing catch on the boundary.

Arrives at IPL 2026 filled with confidence after a good T20 World Cup campaign with the Proteas.

LHUAN-DRE PRETORIUS

Rajasthan Royals | Paarl Royals

#The Role: Fearless opener

What He Brings: 

It is hard to believe that Pretorius is yet to celebrate his 20th birthday such has been the teenager’s phenomenal rise the past two seasons.  The young left-hander is one of the most powerful strikers of a white-ball, particularly in the powerplay. 

Although he did not quite live up to the high standards he set in Betway SA20 Season 3 where he finished at the competition’s top run-scorer, Pretorius remains a potent force upfront. 

He brings a pure, unadulterated fearlessness to the Royals highly unorthodox, hockey-style wrist whip. 

Pretorius will also benefit from a Royals system that fully supports young cricketers with fellow teen prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also within their ranks.