SRH Opt to Bowl First as Dewald Brevis Makes CSK Debut in High-Stakes Clash
Pat Cummins Wins Toss, SRH Chase Historic First Win in Chennai
Chennai — With both teams desperate to stay alive in the playoff race, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins won the toss — only his third of the season — and elected to bowl first against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk Stadium. The decision was shaped by the expected dew later in the evening, a factor both sides had considered heavily. Even CSK, had they won the toss, would have chosen to field first.
This match carries added weight, with both teams languishing at the bottom of the points table, tied with just two wins in eight matches. For SRH, it’s also a chance to secure their first-ever victory over CSK on Chennai’s home turf.
Baby AB Arrives: Dewald Brevis Gets His Yellow Debut
The spotlight firmly turned toward Dewald Brevis, who was handed his long-awaited debut for Chennai Super Kings. Nicknamed “Baby AB” due to his uncanny resemblance in style to AB de Villiers, Brevis brings youthful flair and explosive potential to the CSK lineup.
Brevis previously made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians, but after going unsold at the auction, he was drafted in mid-season by CSK as a replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. His arrival forced Rachin Ravindra out of the XI, while Ayush Mhatre, CSK’s youngest-ever player, got the nod to open the batting alongside Shaik Rasheed.
In other changes, Deepak Hooda returned to the middle order in place of Vijay Shankar, and Sam Curran came back into the XI, with Jamie Overton making way. Veteran R Ashwin was named among the substitutes.
Hyderabad Shuffle: Kamindu and Shami In, Travis Head Waits
SRH also made a few notable changes. Kamindu Mendis, the ambidextrous Sri Lankan spinner, replaced Eshan Malinga, offering a unique spin option for Chennai’s turning tracks. The pace attack received a boost with the return of Mohammed Shami, adding experience and control.
Travis Head was not included in the starting XI but is expected to be deployed as an Impact Player during the chase, likely slotting in at the top of the order when required.
Teams at a Glance
Chennai Super Kings XI
- Ayush Mhatre
- Shaik Rasheed
- Sam Curran
- Dewald Brevis
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Hooda
- MS Dhoni (captain & wk)
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
Possible Impact Subs: R Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- Aniket Verma
- Kamindu Mendis
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Harshal Patel
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Mohammed Shami
Possible Impact Subs: Travis Head, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby
What to Expect
With both sides fielding revamped lineups and the pressure mounting, this match promises to be a turning point in the playoff equation. For CSK, it’s about rediscovering their fortress advantage at Chepauk, and for SRH, it’s a chance to rewrite their history in Chennai. All eyes will be on Brevis and the new-look batting orders — one innings could make all the difference.
