Moving on, Mumbai Indians get up and running to get their first ‘W’ of the season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. 

Our start to Mission 2024 might not have gone according to plan, but the Class of 2024 gave us moments that showed promise and excitement to look forward to over the next three months. One such star performer was Dewald Brevis, who left a positive impression as an Impact Player against the Gujarat Titans.

The young Proteas star spoke to the media ahead of the fixture. MI failed to turn around their streak of losing the first match of an IPL campaign - since 2013 - but the young batter was extremely impressive with his shot-making.

“I am grateful. It’s always nice to get runs, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win. The team is looking great, and I am excited about everything ahead for us," he said.

Cricket fans also got a treat when DB played alongside his best friend Tilak Varma during MI’s innings. A curious journalist touched upon their friendship, and the 20-year-old was happy to talk about it.

“It (The friendship) is growing day by day. It’s been a very special friendship since the day we met. Whenever he is in South Africa, we always spend time together, and it’s great to see him here and spend time with him here as well.” Brevis said.

And being in Hyderabad, the MI Boys were given a welcome reception by TV.

“Tilak set up a dinner for everyone, and it was amazing. We are here in his hometown, so he just welcomed us. It feels great, and he is a fantastic person who loves and cares for everyone.”

Some of the greatest cricket teams have had to face the situation of being favourites to win but conceding a loss. MI found themselves during their run chase against Gujarat Titans, and they will look to apply the lessons they learned against SRH. How challenging is it for a team to bounce back? Brevis had a straightforward reply.

“Things like that happen in cricket, and they're uncontrollable. We were in a great position and should have won the match, but we don’t know what lies ahead, so we can only remain positive. I have a lot of faith in this team and am excited about everything that lies ahead.”

Lastly, and something he has come across in his budding career, Dewald Brevis has been drawn in constant comparisons with legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers. But as always, DB set the record straight on his sole objective in cricket.

“AB de Villiers is and still is my role model. I learned a lot from him, and we have a special friendship. But I want to achieve what lies ahead by myself and not copy others. I want to be true to myself and break all the records that Dewald Brevis should break.”