In a surprising turn of events, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as their new mentor for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This announcement comes on the heels of Gautam Gambhir’s departure from KKR after leading the team to a victorious IPL 2024 season. Gambhir has taken on the role of Team India’s head coach, leaving a significant void in the KKR camp.
Dwayne Bravo, a legend in the T20 format, recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket following a disappointing end to his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season due to an injury. Just hours after making his retirement public, Bravo signed on as KKR’s new mentor, replacing Gambhir.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his excitement about Bravo’s appointment, stating, "DJ Bravo joining us is a very exciting development. His deep desire to win wherever he plays, his extensive experience and knowledge will benefit the franchise and all players immensely. We are also pleased that he will be involved with all our franchises around the world - CPL, MLC, and ILT20".
The news of Bravo, a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend, joining a rival IPL franchise as a mentor has left many CSK fans stunned. Bravo has been an integral part of CSK’s success over the years, and his departure marks the end of an era for the franchise. Despite the shock, Bravo expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career, saying, "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".
Here's to creating more 'Champion'™️ memories! 💜@VenkyMysore | @DJBravo47 pic.twitter.com/KweWi895Ug
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 27, 2024
Say hello to our new Mentor, DJ 'sir champion' Bravo! 💜
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 27, 2024
Welcome to the City of Champions! 🎶🏆 pic.twitter.com/Kq03t4J4ia
CSK Fans Not forgive KKR management ☺️🤣chhodenge nhi
— अर्पित आलोक मिश्र (@arpitalokmishra) September 27, 2024
Massive setback for CSK, Bravo played a huge role in the rise of young fast bowlers during last season and everyone appreciated through his stint.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 27, 2024
Bharat Arun + Bravo duo for KKR bowlers in IPL 2025. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/PZ4fPRifFt
Bravo’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He retired from international cricket in 2021 and stepped away from the IPL, but his influence on the game has been profound. Over the last 12 months, he has worked with both his IPL side CSK and served as Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
In an emotional Instagram post, Bravo shared his thoughts on retiring from the sport: "Dear Cricket, today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. From the age of five, I knew this was what I wanted to do- this was the sport I was destined to play. I had no interest in anything else, and dedicated my entire life to you. In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can’t thank you enough".
Bravo’s 18-year career set the benchmark in T20 cricket, winning titles in the IPL, PSL, and Big Bash, and becoming a two-time world champion with the West Indies. He finishes with 631 wickets in the format from 582 appearances, second only to compatriot Kieron Pollard.
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