Former West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, is set to embark on a new chapter in his cricketing journey following his recent retirement from all formats of the game. The cricketing stalwart has joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their new mentor ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bravo will be replacing Gautam Gambhir in this pivotal role.
Bravo, who called time on his illustrious career on Thursday, September 26, had been serving as the bowling consultant for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the past two IPL seasons. His departure from this position marks the end of an era for CSK, where he not only excelled as a player but also played a crucial role in their support staff.
Bravo’s last appearance in the IPL as a player was in 2022 for CSK. Although he donned the yellow jersey for many years, the 2023 edition saw him being replaced by England’s Ben Stokes while he transitioned into mentoring roles. Despite hanging up his playing boots in the IPL, Bravo continued to demonstrate his prowess in other leagues such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and the International League T20 (ILT20).
In addition to his mentoring role in the IPL, Bravo’s influence will span across multiple franchises of the Knight Riders group globally. He will mentor players in the Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20). This multi-faceted role underscores Bravo’s widespread impact on the cricketing world.
Expressing his enthusiasm about Bravo’s new appointment, Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said, “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.”
Continuing, Mysore added, “Bravo’s transition from an active player to a mentor speaks volumes about his dedication to the sport and his readiness to nurture the next generation of cricketers. His association with the Knight Riders will be a significant asset as we aim to achieve new heights in the upcoming seasons.
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Reflecting on his new role and his history with the Knight Riders, Bravo mentioned, “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.”
Bravo’s illustrious IPL career saw him playing for teams like Mumbai Indians, CSK, and Gujarat Lions. His vast experience and success across these teams make him a valuable addition to the KKR support staff.
The announcement of Bravo’s appointment comes in the wake of a significant reshuffling within the KKR support staff, many of whom have moved to positions within the Indian national team. Gautam Gambhir, who previously mentored KKR to their third IPL title, is now the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Additionally, Abhishek Nayar, who served as Gambhir’s assistant at KKR, has also joined the national side in a similar capacity.
Bravo’s arrival is seen as a strategic move by KKR to fill the experience void left by the transitioning support staff and to bring in fresh perspectives and insights. His deep connection with the game, extensive knowledge, and competitive spirit are anticipated to invigorate the team as they prepare for the 2025 IPL season.
Cricket enthusiasts and KKR fans alike are eagerly looking forward to seeing how Bravo’s presence will shape the team’s performance. As the IPL progresses, Bravo’s influence and guidance will be closely watched, not just in the IPL but also in the international arenas of CPL, MLC, and ILT20.
This monumental shift in Bravo’s career marks a significant milestone, ushering in a new era of mentorship and coaching for one of cricket’s most cherished and celebrated figures. Fans and players are optimistic about the positive impact of his new role and the legacy he will continue to build beyond his playing days.
