Injury-Ravaged Proteas: Dewald Brevis Ruled Out of Pakistan ODI Series After Shoulder Strain

South Africa’s already-depleted ODI squad has been dealt another significant blow with the confirmation that rising star Dewald Brevis will miss the entire three-match series against Pakistan due to a low-grade shoulder muscle strain sustained during the third T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, November 1. The 22-year-old will remain with the squad to undergo rehabilitation ahead of South Africa’s crucial Test tour of India beginning November 14, but his absence further weakens a Proteas side already missing most all-format regulars through rest and several key bowlers through injury.​

The Injury Details

Cricket South Africa confirmed on November 4 that Brevis sustained the shoulder injury while fielding during the third T20I in Lahore, where he appeared in visible discomfort. Medical assessments revealed a low-grade shoulder muscle strain requiring rehabilitation rather than immediate surgery.​

CSA’s official statement read: "Dewald Brevis has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International series against Pakistan due to a low-grade shoulder muscle strain. He sustained the shoulder injury during the third T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Brevis will undergo rehabilitation with the Proteas Men’s medical team in Pakistan in preparation for the upcoming Test tour of India. His replacement for the ODI series will be announced in due course."​

No Replacement Named Yet

As of November 4, South Africa have not announced a replacement for Brevis, indicating that existing squad members—including debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, and Sinethemba Qeshile—will fill the void. Qeshile appears to be the direct replacement in the playing XI for the series opener.​

Brevis’ Modest Form Before Injury

Brevis’ injury comes after a mediocre showing across the Pakistan tour. His recent scores paint a picture of struggle:

T20I Series (3 matches):

• 1st T20I: 9

• 2nd T20I: 25

• 3rd T20I: 21

• Series Total: 55 runs at 18.33 average​

Test Series (2 matches):

• Best score: 54 in second innings at Gaddafi Stadium

• Other innings: 0, 0​

  ODI Career (6 matches):

• Total runs: 110

• Average: 22

• Strike rate: 159

• Best score: 49 vs Australia (Mackay, August 2025)​

Despite modest numbers, Brevis remains highly rated. Temba Bavuma recently wrote: "[Brevis] can kind of make a bad wicket a good one because that is the talent of the boy."​

The Depleted Squad Context

Brevis’ absence compounds South Africa’s injury crisis heading into the ODI series in Faisalabad (November 5, 7, and 9):

Injury List:

Dewald Brevis – Shoulder strain (ODIs only)

Kwena Maphaka – Injured (unavailable)

Anrich Nortje – Injured (unavailable)​

Rested Players:

Aiden Markram (captain)

Kagiso Rabada (premier fast bowler)

Other all-format regulars​

This leaves Matthew Breetzke—who made his ODI debut only in 2025—captaining a heavily inexperienced side.​

Quinton de Kock’s Return

On a positive note, Quinton de Kock returns for his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup after reversing his retirement, providing much-needed experience and leadership to the young squad.​

Updated ODI Squad

South Africa’s ODI Squad vs Pakistan:

• Matthew Breetzke (captain)

• Ottniel Baartman

• Corbin Bosch

• Nandre Burger

• Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)

• Tony de Zorzi

• Donovan Ferreira

• Bjorn Fortuin

• George Linde

• Kwena Maphaka

• Lungi Ngidi

• Nqaba Peter

• Lhuan-dre Pretorius

• Sinethemba Qeshile​

Series Context: Pakistan’s Momentum

South Africa enter the ODI series having lost momentum after Pakistan’s comeback in the T20I series:

Pakistan Tour Results:

Test Series: 1-1 draw

T20I Series: Pakistan won 2-1 after South Africa took early 1-0 lead​

Pakistan won the decisive second and third T20Is by nine wickets and four wickets respectively, overwhelming South Africa’s batting lineup (dismissed for 110 in second T20I).​

The India Tour Priority

CSA’s decision to keep Brevis with the squad for rehabilitation—rather than flying him home—signals the priority placed on the upcoming India tour (November 14 onwards), which includes:

Two Tests

Three ODIs

Five T20Is​

A fully fit Brevis is considered crucial for India’s challenging conditions, particularly for the Test series.​

The AB de Villiers Comparison

Despite his modest recent form, Brevis remains one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents. His dynamic strokeplay and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers, and his 2025 IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings (as injury replacement) impressed observers.​

His recovery and return for the India tour will be crucial for South Africa’s Test ambitions and for building depth in their batting lineup across formats.