Not CSK, Dwayne Bravo Joins This IPL Franchise After Retirement

In a landmark move for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former West Indies all-rounder and T20 cricket legend Dwayne Bravo has been appointed as the team’s mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The announcement was made through an official press release on Friday, September 27, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Bravo as he transitions from playing to mentoring.

Bravo’s role with Kolkata Knight Riders

As a mentor, Bravo’s responsibilities will extend beyond just providing tactical advice. He will be tasked with guiding KKR’s young talents, nurturing their growth, and helping them develop the mental fortitude required to succeed in high-stakes matches. His experience in winning tournaments and playing in diverse conditions will serve as a blueprint for KKR as they look to build on their success from the previous IPL seasons.

Say hello to our new Mentor, DJ 'sir champion' Bravo! 💜

Welcome to the City of Champions! 🎶🏆 pic.twitter.com/Kq03t4J4ia

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 27, 2024

Knight Riders group CEO Venky Mysore expressed his excitement at Bravo’s appointment, highlighting the all-rounder’s relentless drive to win and his deep knowledge of the game.

“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,” Knight Riders group CEO Venky Mysore said in a press release.

Gautam Gambhir’s legacy as Mentor

Gautam Gambhir left a lasting impact on KKR, leading the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain and later mentoring them to their 2024 title win. His leadership and deep understanding of the game helped KKR develop a winning mindset. Now, with Gambhir stepping down to focus on his new role as India’s head coach, Bravo steps in to fill some very big shoes.

Before joining KKR, Bravo had already begun his coaching journey as the bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings. Under his guidance, CSK’s bowling attack became one of the most effective in the league, helping them secure another IPL title in 2024.

One of the standout aspects of Bravo’s appointment is his involvement with the Knight Riders’ other franchises worldwide. He will play a mentorship role across the group’s franchises, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and the International League T20 (ILT20). This global influence highlights Bravo’s versatility and his potential to impact multiple teams across various leagues.

Bravo’s legacy in T20 cricket

Bravo’s name is synonymous with success in T20 cricket. In addition to holding the record for most wickets in T20 cricket, Bravo was also a key figure in the West Indies’ two ICC T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016. He holds the record for the most wickets in T20 cricket, with 631 dismissals in 582 matches. Bravo has played for over a dozen teams globally, making him one of the most sought-after players in franchise cricket.

After being appointed as KKR’s mentor, Bravo expressed his excitement about transitioning from playing to mentoring. He acknowledged the unique environment that the Knight Riders franchise has created, one that feels like a 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,” Bravo said after his appointment.

With Bravo’s mentorship, the future looks bright for Kolkata Knight Riders. His guidance will be key in nurturing young talent and helping KKR build a team that can sustain success over multiple seasons.