Dwayne Bravo leaves CSK, moves to new IPL franchise as a mentor

Sep 27, 2024

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Dwayne Bravo leaves CSK, moves to new IPL franchise as a mentor

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Dwayne Bravo, the former West Indies all-rounder and a cherished figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has officially concluded his illustrious career with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Having secured four IPL titles with CSK, Bravo is now set to embark on a new chapter as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) starting from the 2025 season. This transition comes shortly after his retirement from all forms of cricket, marking the end of an era for a player who has left an indelible mark on T20 cricket.

Dwayne Bravo’s new beginning with Kolkata Knight Riders

Bravo’s move to KKR comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise, as he will be stepping into the role previously held by Gautam Gambhir, who has taken on the responsibilities of Indian head coach until 2027. The decision to join KKR was solidified after Bravo met with KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where they discussed his future role within the franchise. In addition to mentoring KKR, Bravo will oversee all franchises under the Knight Riders banner, including Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL, Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20.In a statement reflecting on his new role, Bravo expressed enthusiasm about joining KKR.

“DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development,” Mysore stated, highlighting Bravo’s relentless drive and extensive experience as invaluable assets for the team. Bravo himself acknowledged his long-standing respect for the Knight Riders’ operations and culture, describing it as an ideal environment for his transition into coaching.

Also READ: WATCH: Dwayne Bravo breaks down in tears after playing his last CPL T20 match

Bravo’s celebrated career and records

Bravo’s cricketing journey began with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL before he found a permanent home with CSK in 2011. Over his career in IPL, he became renowned for his exceptional skills as a death bowler and aggressive lower-order batter. With 183 wickets in 161 matches, he ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. Bravo made history by becoming the first player to win the Purple Cap twice, achieving this feat in 2013 and 2015 when he took 32 wickets in 2013—a record that remains unmatched.

His contributions were not limited to bowling, Bravo also amassed 3,119 runs at an average of 22.60, showcasing his ability to change games with both bat and ball. His tenure with CSK solidified him as one of their key players, contributing significantly to their title wins in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Bravo’s transitioning to coaching

Bravo’s transition from player to coach began after he announced his retirement from IPL cricket ahead of the 2023 season. He took on the role of bowling coach for CSK and quickly made an impact by guiding them to victory in the 2023 IPL season. His extensive experience—having played over 500 T20 matches—coupled with his tactical acumen makes him well-suited for mentoring upcoming talent.

Additionally, during the recent T20 World Cup, Bravo served as a consultant coach for Afghanistan, playing a crucial role in their historic journey to the semi-finals. This experience further underscores his commitment to developing future stars in cricket.

Bravo’s legacy extends beyond statistics, he is celebrated not just for his on-field accomplishments but also for his charismatic personality and leadership qualities. As he transitions into mentorship with KKR, fans and players alike will be eager to see how he influences the next generation of cricketers.

Bravo’s journey from an explosive all-rounder to a strategic mentor encapsulates the essence of sportsmanship—adapting and evolving while leaving behind a rich legacy that inspires others. As he steps into this new chapter, there is no doubt that Bravo will continue to be a significant figure in cricket, shaping futures while cherishing memories from his remarkable career.