KKR announces IPL legend Dwayne Bravo as Gautam Gambhir's replacement, leaves CSK fans stunned
Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Thursday announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the new mentor for the franchise.
Bravo, a legend of the T20 format, announced retirement from all forms of cricket after a bitter conclusion to his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season, owing to an injury.
Just hours after announcing his retirement from the sport, Bravo signed for KKR as their new mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir.
"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," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.
Here's to creating more 'Champion'™️ memories! 💜@VenkyMysore | @DJBravo47 pic.twitter.com/KweWi895Ug
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 27, 2024
The decision has left Chennai Super Kings fans stunned as Bravo, who is a CCSK egend, joined a rival IPL franchise as a mentor.
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
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
CSK management had one job, to keep Dwayne Bravo with CSK. We won't forget the journey of Tushar Deshpande to Tushar McGrath.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) September 27, 2024
Bravo also expressed his enthusiasm as he marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
"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," he has said.
"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." he added.
The West Indies great had earlier retired from international cricket in 2021 and stepped away from IPL.
Bravo, who had already announced at the start of the ongoing CPL that it would be his last season, shared a post on Instagram, "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."
