Dwayne Bravo leaves CSK to join Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor for IPL 2025

DJ Bravo will succeed Gautam Gambir as KKR's mentor in IPL's upcoming season
News Desk | September 27, 2024

Photo: FILE

Only hours after retiring from professional cricket on Friday, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been named the team mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season.

In an official release, KKR highlighted Bravo’s remarkable career, stating, “Over his illustrious career, he has played 582 T20 matches, taken 631 wickets, and scored nearly 7,000 runs. With more championship wins than any other cricketer, Bravo’s experience is unparalleled.”’

Bravo will succeed Gautam Gambhir, who recently stepped down from the mentor role to become the head coach of India’s senior men’s cricket team. Gambhir led KKR to their first IPL title since 2014 earlier this year.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Bravo remarked, “I’ve been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate.

The owners’ passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”

KKR also confirmed that Bravo’s mentoring will extend across the Knight Riders’ global franchises, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and ILT20.

Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Group, expressed excitement over Bravo’s appointment, stating, “DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development.

His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players. We’re also pleased that Bravo will be involved with our other franchises globally, including CPL, MLC, and ILT20.”

The transition marks a significant moment in Bravo’s career, as he has had a long-standing association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), first as a player from 2011-2015 and again from 2018-2022, and then as a bowling coach since 2023.

Bravo, the highest wicket-taker in T20 history, concluded his playing career during this season's Caribbean Premier League, which was marred by injury.

In a heartfelt Instagram post announcing his retirement, Bravo shared, “Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything.

From the age of five, I knew this was what I wanted to do—this was the sport I was destined to play. I had no interest in anything else, and I dedicated my entire life to you. In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”

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