Fleming reacts to the controversial Dewald Brevis dismissal in the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings delivered one of the most gripping encounters of IPL 2025. While after a lot of twists and turns, RCB eventually edged out CSK by just two runs in a nail-biting final-ball thriller at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The momentum of the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match shifted decisively in the 17th over of the chase. Lungi Ngidi removed the set batter, Ayush Mhatre and the next man in, Dewald Brevis off consecutive deliveries. Even though it was Mhatre who missed out on a well-deserved century, it was the Dewald Brevis dismissal that has caused an uproar after the game.

Stephen Fleming weighs in on the controversy around the Dewald Brevis dismissal in the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match

The Dewald Brevis dismissal in the chase sparked controversy. He was ruled LBW but was unable to challenge the decision as the 15-second window to opt for DRS had reportedly expired. Although the batsman did gesture for a review, it came too late. Replays later suggested he took closer to 25 seconds before signaling. The incident proved to be a critical moment, especially as it followed Mhatre’s departure for a brilliant 94 just a delivery earlier. After the match, CSK coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the confusion around the timing of the review but didn’t confirm whether the appeal was indeed within the allowed timeframe.

"Yeah, it was a big moment. In talking to Jaddu and Brevis, there was a lot going on with running straight away,” explained Fleming in the press conference. “I think they saw the ball ricochet and actually went to the boundary for four. And lost in that was whether Brevis took the review in time.”

The CSK head coach also weighed in on the ongoing debate about the DRS and LBW rules, specifically the interpretation of when the ball is considered dead and whether any runs can be awarded in such situations. Brevis and Jadeja proceeded to run for two after the umpire raised his finger. As soon as the umpire takes a decision, the timer for the DRS starts. Moreover, even if the review would have come in effect and it was adjudged a 'not out', the duo would not have earned any runs. A ball is considered as soon as umpire comes up with a decision on the appeal.

“I don't know the answer to that. He wasn't sure, given that they were running at the time. As soon as you're given out, I understand the timer starts. There was a fair bit eaten up with the play still being completed, and whether they just ran out of time... in the umpire's view, it did,” explained Fleming.

“The other part about it, because he was given out, we wouldn't have got the runs,” the Kiwi continued. “While we would have maintained the wicket, it certainly wouldn't have given us the five runs, which would have been nice. But it's a big moment in a big game. There was twists and turns all the way through."

While the decision of the umpire was wrong as the replays showed the ball missing the leg stump, Brevis should have appealed earlier. It was a brain fade from both the CSK batters at the crease that led to the chaos. Nonetheless, CSK took it close even after that wicket, requiring to chase 15 off the last 6 balls. However, in the final over, Yash Dayal held his nerve to defend 15 runs against seasoned finishers MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube. With this crucial win, RCB climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 table, becoming the first side to reach 16 points.