AB de Villiers, one of the most iconic cricketers in the world, is widely recognized by his jersey number 17. This number holds special significance for him and has become synonymous with his incredible cricketing career.

The above passage is an excerpt from the documentary Down Underdogs, where former England opener Nick Knight shares his thoughts on Shubman Gill. South Africa’s U-19 sensation, Dewald Brevis, evokes similar admiration with his style of play.

Brevis boasts strong wrists, a low center of gravity, elegant strokeplay, and an incredible ability to take on bowlers, hitting them to all corners of the field. These traits mark him as a future star. Watching him bat, it’s clear he is equally comfortable against pace and spin, reading lengths quickly and appearing to have an abundance of time at the crease—an attribute often associated with Rohit Sharma.

Despite South Africa’s struggles in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup, Brevis has been a standout performer. In just five matches, he has emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 368 runs, including three half-centuries. Apart from a single failure in the opening game, Brevis has delivered significant contributions in every outing, showcasing why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the cricketing world.

Baby AB (Dewald Brevis)

Dewald Brevis, fondly nicknamed “Baby AB,” is often compared to the South African legend AB de Villiers and for good reason. One striking similarity is their shared jersey number, 17. In an ICC player feature, Brevis revealed how he sought AB’s “permission” to wear the number 17 jersey. He also spoke warmly about his close relationship with AB, calling it “personal and close to his heart.”

“Growing up, AB de Villiers was my role model. I’ve had many chats with him, and it’s a special relationship that I cherish deeply. He’s given me small but valuable advice to improve my game,” said Brevis.

But the parallels don’t end with the jersey. Brevis’s batting style bears a striking resemblance to AB’s, showcasing the same versatility and innovation. When asked about his favorite shots, Brevis highlighted his love for hitting straight down the ground and over the bowler’s head. True to his nickname, he also expressed his admiration for playing “360 degrees around the ground,” much like AB himself.

A Dream to Play for RCB

Brevis has openly expressed his desire to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the IPL franchise synonymous with AB de Villiers. He’s posted pictures in RCB jerseys and even registered for the 2022 IPL mega-auction, held in Bengaluru—the home ground of RCB.

RCB has a special connection with AB, who was part of the team from 2011 until his retirement in 2021. The thought of Brevis joining RCB and continuing the South African legacy excites fans worldwide.

The Future of South African Cricket

Dewald Brevis is more than just a “Baby AB” copycat. With his fearless batting, versatile shot-making, and passion for the game, he has carved out his own identity as a rising star in world cricket. Whether or not he joins RCB, one thing is clear: Brevis is special, and his journey has only just begun.

Why AB de Villiers Chose Number 17

AB de Villiers’ jersey number 17 holds deep personal significance. The number is closely tied to his wife, Danielle de Villiers. It represents key milestones and dates in their lives, making it a constant reminder of his family and personal values. For AB, cricket was not just about the game but also about staying grounded and connected to what mattered most to him.

Jersey Number 17 in International Cricket

South Africa Career
- AB de Villiers donned the number 17 jersey throughout his illustrious career for the South African national team.
- Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, the number 17 became synonymous with his fearless and innovative batting style.
- AB’s incredible consistency and adaptability across all formats made him one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Unforgettable Performances
- He holds the record for the fastest ODI century (off 31 balls) against the West Indies in 2015, a feat achieved while wearing the number 17.
- AB’s jersey number became iconic as fans associated it with game-changing innings, spectacular catches, and unmatched athleticism.

Jersey Number 17 in the IPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- AB de Villiers joined RCB in 2011, and his jersey number 17 became one of the most loved numbers in IPL history.
- Alongside Virat Kohli, AB formed one of the most destructive batting duos, delivering unforgettable partnerships that thrilled fans worldwide.
- His incredible ability to finish games under pressure earned him the nickname “Mr. 360”, solidifying the number 17’s legendary status.
Memorable IPL Performances
- 133 off 59 balls* against Mumbai Indians in 2015 remains one of the greatest IPL innings.
- His countless match-winning knocks and remarkable fielding displays turned the number 17 jersey into a symbol of excellence.
- In 2016, AB played a pivotal role in RCB’s journey to the IPL final, scoring 687 runs in the season.

Global T20 Leagues and Number 17

Beyond the IPL, AB carried his number 17 jersey to various T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL), where his charisma and brilliance were equally celebrated.

The Legacy of Number 17

Post-Retirement Reverence
- When AB de Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018 and later from all cricket in 2021, the number 17 took on a nostalgic and almost mythical status among fans.
- For RCB fans, his jersey number is still a reminder of the golden era of cricket and his indelible impact on the franchise.
Fan Following
- Merchandise featuring the number 17 continues to be in high demand. Jerseys with his number remain a favorite among fans, who see it as a tribute to his genius and sportsmanship.

AB’s Influence on Young Cricketers

Aspiring cricketers worldwide see number 17 as a source of inspiration. AB’s ability to innovate, adapt, and perform under pressure has made the number symbolic of determination and creativity.

A Retired Icon, A Timeless Legacy

Even though AB de Villiers no longer plays, the number 17 continues to represent his extraordinary career, sportsmanship, and the joy he brought to millions of cricket fans globally. It is more than just a jersey number—it is a testament to one of cricket’s greatest ever players.