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Dwayne Bravo, the iconic West Indies allrounder, has brought an end to his illustrious association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a decade of success. Bravo, who won four Indian Premier League (IPL) titles with CSK in various roles, is set to embark on a new chapter by joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a mentor for the 2025 IPL season.
Bravo, who turns 41 in October, will replace Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down as KKR’s mentor to take on the position of India’s head coach, a role he will hold until 2027. This announcement comes a day after Bravo officially retired from all forms of cricket. In addition to his mentoring duties for KKR, Bravo will also oversee the Knight Riders’ teams in various other T20 leagues, including Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).
A New Challenge for Bravo
Bravo’s decision to transition to a mentoring and coaching role was shaped by his extensive playing experience and tactical expertise in the T20 format. “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,” Bravo stated. He praised the professionalism and family-like atmosphere within the Knight Riders’ organization, describing it as the “perfect platform” to transition into his post-playing career.
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KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his excitement about the acquisition of Bravo, emphasizing the West Indian’s winning mentality and the vast knowledge he brings. “His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players,” Mysore said.
Success with CSK and Beyond
Dwayne Bravo’s IPL journey began in 2011 when he was bought by Chennai Super Kings. He quickly became a key member of the squad, renowned for his match-winning performances, particularly in the death overs. His contributions helped CSK win three IPL titles while he was an active player. After retiring from playing in the IPL in 2022, Bravo took up the role of CSK’s bowling coach for the 2023 season. In his first year as a coach, CSK clinched the IPL title, defeating defending champions Gujarat Titans.
Bravo’s stature in the T20 format is legendary. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and remains the only player to have won the Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker of the season, on two separate occasions. His skills as a death-over specialist and his astute cricketing mind have earned him immense respect from teammates and opponents alike. These attributes, along with his leadership abilities, saw him take on the captaincy of the West Indies during his international career.
Bravo retired from international cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup but continued to play in various T20 leagues globally, including stints with Mumbai Emirates in the ILT20, Texas Super Kings in the MLC, and Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL. More recently, he played a pivotal role as a consultant coach for Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping the team reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
Dwayne Bravo’s switch to Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor is set to be a significant addition to the franchise. Bravo will now lead a KKR team that is brimming with talent, having won their third IPL title in 2024 under Gambhir’s mentorship. His primary role will be to guide the young players, using his vast experience and tactical acumen to shape KKR’s future. With Bravo at the helm, KKR will look to build on their recent success and continue their dominance in the IPL and other global T20 leagues under the Knight Riders’ banner.
Bravo’s appointment as mentor highlights his growing influence as a coach, with his playing career now behind him. As he prepares to embark on this new journey with Kolkata Knight Riders, Bravo’s legacy in T20 cricket only seems to be expanding, with his next goal likely focused on developing the next generation of cricket stars.
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