Former West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo has officially parted ways with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), concluding a successful and celebrated stint with the franchise where he won four IPL titles across various roles. From the 2025 IPL season, Bravo will take on a new challenge as the mentor of the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), marking a significant transition in his cricket career.
A New Chapter at KKR
Bravo’s move to KKR was confirmed after a meeting with KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). ESPNcricinfo reported that Bravo has signed a long-term contract with KKR and will not only mentor the IPL side but also oversee all franchises under the Knight Riders label, including Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).
“DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development,” Mysore said. “His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players.”
Replacing Gautam Gambhir
At 41 years old, Bravo replaces former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir, who recently took over as head coach of India after guiding KKR to their third IPL title in 2024. Alongside Gambhir, KKR has also seen the departure of assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom were absorbed into India’s coaching setup. Bravo will now work with Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as the bowling coach at KKR.
Reflecting on his new role, Bravo expressed his enthusiasm: “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.”
Transition from Player to Mentor
The transition from player to mentor marks Bravo’s second major management role in the IPL. He originally joined CSK in 2011, playing an integral part in the team’s success as a player. After retiring from IPL cricket in 2022, he took up the role of CSK’s bowling coach in 2023 and saw immediate success as CSK won the title that year. Bravo’s career as a player is equally impressive, as he holds the record as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and remains the only player to win two Purple Caps in the tournament.
A Legendary Career
Bravo’s tactical acumen and motivational skills have earned him respect not only in IPL but across international cricket. With over 500 T20 matches under his belt, he has led West Indies to significant victories and has been a sought-after name in various T20 leagues around the world. Even after his retirement from international cricket following the 2021 T20 World Cup, Bravo continued to play and mentor in various leagues, including the ILT20, MLC, and CPL.
His mentoring role with Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Conclusion
Bravo’s legacy as one of the greatest T20 cricketers continues as he embarks on this new journey with KKR. His wealth of experience, passion for the game, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of players will undoubtedly contribute to KKR’s continued success in IPL and beyond. As the 2025 IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Bravo as he steps into his new role as mentor, guiding the Knight Riders to more victories.(cricket betting sites)