On September 26, Dwayne Bravo declared his retirement from all forms of cricket. The former all-rounder from the West Indies contributed his flair to franchise cricket while playing for many teams throughout the world. However, the 40-year-old is best remembered for his time spent in the Indian Premier League with the Chennai Super Kings. The Kolkata Knight Riders and Bravo, their mentor, signed a contract just hours after Bravo announced his retirement.
The Indian cricket team recruited Gautam Gambhir as their head coach after Gambhir guided KKR to their third IPL championship. Notably, Jacques Kallis, a former KKR player, was mentioned frequently when the team was looking for a new mentor. The franchise located in Kolkata has put an end to all rumours by signing Bravo. Beginning with the 2025 IPL, the cricket player from Trinidad will serve as the mentor.
Here’s KKR’s latest post announcing Bravo’s signing:
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
“Dwayne Bravo joining KKR is a very exciting development,” stated the managing director of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, expressing his sentiments following Dwyane Bravo’s appointment. His involvement with all of our franchises worldwide in the CPL, MLC, ILT20, and now the IPL brings us great pleasure.”
Venky Mysore said, “Dwayne Bravo joining KKR is a very exciting development. We’re pleased that he’ll be involved with all our franchises around the world in CPL, MLC, ILT20 and now IPL”. pic.twitter.com/PyRjkm9R5c
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 27, 2024
I have to avoid placing myself in a situation where I could disappoint my teammates: Dwayne Bravo
With a strike rate of 125.44 and an average of 22.33, the right-handed batsman has amassed 6970 runs in a staggering 582 T20s played worldwide. Having taken 631 wickets at an average of 24.40, he was a clinical bowler. Bravo reiterated during his retirement announcement that, despite his mental readiness for another term, he would not be able to continue his physical regimen.
“It’s been an amazing ride, full of highs and lows, playing professional cricket for twenty-one years. Above all, it was because of you that I could fulfil my ambition at every turn. It’s time to confront facts, as much as I would love to keep this relationship going. Though my body can no longer withstand the agony, breakdowns, and pressure, my mind wants to continue.
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Bravo stated in an Instagram post, “I can’t put myself in a situation where I might let my fans, my teammates, or the teams I represent down.”