KKR Names Bravo as New Mentor
Defending IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have appointed former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as their mentor for the 2025 season. The legendary cricketer replaces Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down from the role to become the head coach of the Indian national team.
Bravo Leaves Chennai Super Kings
Bravo’s new role with KKR brings an end to his association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he served as the bowling coach in IPL 2024. The announcement came just hours after Dwayne Bravo revealed his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 27, 2024. The highest wicket-taker in T20 history, with 631 wickets in 582 matches, Bravo made his decision following a groin injury that ended his participation in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Global Role with Knight Riders Franchises
KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed excitement about Bravo’s appointment, noting that he will be involved not only with the IPL team but also with Knight Riders’ other franchises in the CPL, Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, and ILT20 in the UAE. Mysore stated, “DJ Bravo joining us is a very exciting development. His deep desire to win, along with his vast experience and knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players. We are thrilled he will also contribute to our global teams.”
Long-Standing Association with Knight Riders
Though Bravo has primarily represented Mumbai Indians and CSK in the IPL, he has a strong connection with the Knight Riders, having played the majority of his CPL career with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). He guided TKR to consecutive CPL titles in 2017 and 2018 and led St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to their maiden CPL victory in 2021.
End of an Illustrious Career
Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021 but remained active in franchise cricket, coaching roles, and as a key player. Recently, he worked as CSK’s bowling coach and served as Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA. Known for his mastery of slower balls and exceptional death bowling, Bravo became synonymous with T20 cricket throughout his career.