Brevis credits friend Tilak and coach Mahela Jayawardene for stellar 57-run knock
By MI New York Media
57 runs. 41 balls. Four fours. Three sixes. It started with a bit of caution after having lost two early wickets. It went onto a watchful counter-attack. And in the end, it was some monster hitting. Dewald Brevis, after lighting up the big stage, was at the post-match-press conference, hitting a few questions out of the park. Excerpts ..
Thoughts on his approach during the innings
To be honest, I just told myself to be calm and be myself always. I just want to mention Mahela Jayawardene, he had a chat with me a few days ago and he asked me to have a suble moment with my trigger. When that came off I was smiling and I felt good out there. The wicket was interesting, but if you just focused to play straight, it worked out.
On performing at the big stage
Everything worked out. You always want to play to contribute, but you wait for your opportunity and everything works. To be able to come back and contribute for the team, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
On having the franchise’s backing even off the field
It is very important to have the backing of the franchise and to represent them in the IPL, the SA20 and now this. I didn’t want to be in another shirt. Such an amazing feeling to be able to contribute for your team. I have to mention my friend, Tilak (Varma), he is somewhere in Barbados now. He always tells me, when he plays, he’s going to win the next game. Always important to enjoy and give as much as you can so that you can put in a nice performance for your team.
The atmosphere and the reception to cricket in USA
I love it in America. It has been great. Have enjoyed off the field too. It is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer. When the sun starts to set, it is a great atmosphere, has a great vibe and is one of the finest fields to play in. I hope all of America picks it up because I think cricket is much better than baseball and much more entertaining.
Thoughts on the next game
I won’t make any assumptions of tomorrow. We just have to stay in the moment. Things can change and you just play the ball. You can just give your best and look to make the best out of every single ball.
On how the team decided the par score today
A game of T20 is going to change all the time. You just have to be positive and look to attack. You have to adapt. You and your partner out there have to speak to each other. And then it is your thoughts by yourself when you are at the other side. I am always in the moment. The players have chats at time-outs. We left a lot of runs out there today. We could have added 20 more runs easily.
On the influence of AB de Villiers in his game
He has always been my role model growing up. We have had good chats growing up. We speak on WhatsApp and he really just helps me on the mental side. I see a lot of his videos on how he goes about his batting. I am a visual learner and I like to see his bat swings. You then develop by yourself. To listen to how he went about things really helps. He gives small little inputs on how I need to develop myself. He just wants to put me in the right direction basically.
