SA20 auction buzz: Why Dewald Brevis could steal the show

The SA20 player auction is here, and the chatter is loud around one name: Dewald Brevis. South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton says the young hitter will be the headline act when six franchises complete their 19‑member squads. With more than 500 names in the pool and Season 4 starting on December 26, teams are hunting for power, pace, and players who can win nights on their own. Brevis fits that brief—fearless bat, high tempo, and box‑office appeal.

Why Brevis leads the talk

Brevis has the range to hit straight and square, and his strike-rate stays high without looking rushed. He is still young, but his ceiling is the part that tempts bidders—he can change a game in five overs. In a league where evening pitches reward clean hitting and quick hands, his skill set travels well. Add the crowd pull and the brand value, and it’s easy to see why Rickelton calls him the “hottest property.”

Rickelton’s view from the top

Ryan Rickelton knows SA20 scoring better than anyone—he sits atop the all‑time run charts and topped Season 2 with 530 runs. He says his job for MI Cape Town is simple: set a platform so the finishers can go hard. He’s keen to see how the squad shapes up and is excited to share a dressing room with Nicholas Pooran this season. It’s a good mix on paper—a reliable starter and an explosive left‑hand finisher.

How the auction will shape Season 4

Each franchise will lock in depth and variety: one gun opener, a middle‑order glue player, a power finisher, two new‑ball options, and a spinner who can boss the middle. With South African conditions in play, teams also prize batters who can shift gears when the pitch slows. The festive window—Boxing Day to New Year’s—means full houses at Newlands and the Wanderers. Big crowds, big stakes, and little time to fix mistakes once the squads are set.

Beyond Brevis: other names in focus

Aiden Markram’s leadership and clean ball‑striking make him a natural marquee buy. New‑ball swing and pace‑off finishers will draw money because they win the last five overs. Keep an eye on wicketkeeper‑hitters who can float between No. 3 and No. 6—they unlock balance and allow captains to chase match‑ups. In a short, sharp league, versatility is a superpower.