Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his new role as the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This strategic move comes hot on the heels of his retirement from all forms of cricket, a decision made public on Thursday, September 26. Bravo will be filling the shoes of Gautam Gambhir, the former mentor of KKR, signaling a significant shift in the franchise’s support staff dynamics. This change also means that Bravo will step down from his recent role as bowling consultant for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a position he held for the past two IPL seasons.
Bravo’s retirement marks the end of an era for the all-rounder who has been an indispensable asset in multiple leagues globally. He last donned the CSK jersey as a player during the 2022 IPL season. Despite transitioning to a support staff role thereafter, Bravo continued to exhibit his prowess on the field in other leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and the International League T20 (ILT20). However, for the 2023 IPL season, CSK selected England’s Ben Stokes as a replacement for Bravo, underscoring the competitive nature of team compositions at the top level.
The mentorship role Bravo is stepping into at KKR will extend beyond just the IPL. He will also lend his expertise to the Knight Riders’ affiliate teams in the CPL, MLC, and ILT20 – namely the Trinbago Knight Riders, Los Angeles Knight Riders, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, respectively. This holistic involvement underscores the franchise’s trust in Bravo’s abilities to foster talent and guide young cricketers across different tournaments globally.
Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore expressed palpable enthusiasm about Bravo’s new appointment. “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,” Mysore remarked, highlighting the multi-faceted advantages of Bravo’s induction.
Reflecting on his decade-long association with the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, Bravo shared his excitement about joining the broader Knight Riders family.
. “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,” said Bravo, who has previously played for IPL franchises like Mumbai Indians, CSK, and Gujarat Lions.
Bravo’s appointment comes at a time of significant changes within the KKR support staff. Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to their third IPL title during his mentorship, has been appointed as the head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar also transitioned to a similar role with the national side. This mass exodus to the Indian team created a vacuum that the franchise hopes to fill with Bravo’s vast experience and unyielding commitment.
This new chapter for Bravo signifies not only a step up in his career but also an opportunity for KKR to harness his strategic acumen and on-field experiences. With an illustrious career featuring stints in various leagues and franchises around the world, Bravo’s transition to mentoring is expected to inject a fresh perspective into the KKR camp. Fans of the Knight Riders and the cricketing community at large will be keenly observing how Bravo’s mentorship shapes the team’s journey in the upcoming IPL season and beyond.
Bravo’s career has been a whirlwind of achievements, with notable contributions both with the bat and ball, and it is his all-round capabilities and charismatic leadership that KKR aims to leverage. As he embarks on this new role, the fraternity anticipates a seamless integration of his relentless passion and expertise, setting the stage for the next generation of cricketers to shine under his guidance.
Dwayne Bravo’s story is one of evolution and enduring impact, and his move to KKR is poised to add yet another illustrious chapter to his cricketing saga. As the countdown to IPL 2025 begins, all eyes will be on how Bravo transforms this new position into a defining role for both himself and the teams he mentors.
