Dwayne Bravo leaves Chennai Super Kings to join Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor - report

Former West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo has brought an end to his long and illustrious association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with whom he won four IPL titles, as he transitions to a new role with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Bravo will join KKR as a mentor starting from the 2025 season, marking a significant shift in his post-playing career.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Bravo, who turns 41 in October, will replace Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down from his role as KKR’s mentor after guiding the team to their third IPL title in 2024. Bravo’s new position will not be limited to KKR alone; he will also oversee all Knight Riders-owned franchises in T20 leagues around the world, including Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20 (ILT20).

"DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development," said KKR CEO Venky Mysore in a statement. "His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players."

Bravo's departure from CSK brings an end to a decorated chapter with the franchise he joined in 2011. After retiring from IPL cricket following the 2022 season, he transitioned to the role of CSK's bowling coach and helped guide the team to the 2023 IPL title. Bravo's 2023 success as a coach added to his three IPL titles as a player, solidifying his legacy at CSK.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in the game's history, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and the first player to win two purple caps, awarded to the leading wicket-taker in a season. His mastery as a death bowler, combined with his infectious energy and leadership qualities, made him an invaluable figure both on and off the field.

Bravo confirmed his excitement for the new challenge in a statement. "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’s new role comes as part of a larger restructuring at KKR following Gambhir’s departure to become India’s head coach after the 2024 IPL season. The franchise also lost key figures Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom have taken up roles with India’s support staff. At KKR, Bravo will work alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun, forming a strong management team.