Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning IPL champions, have named former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as their mentor for the 2025 Indian Premier League season. Bravo, known for his remarkable fast-bowling skills, takes over the role from Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down to become the head coach of the Indian national cricket team.
This move marks the end of Bravo’s time with Chennai Super Kings, where he served as the bowling coach in the 2024 IPL season.
His new position comes shortly after his retirement from all forms of cricket, which he announced on September 27, following a groin injury that prematurely ended his Caribbean Premier League 2024 season. Bravo holds the record for the most wickets in T20 cricket, with an impressive 631 wickets in 582 matches.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore also confirmed that Bravo will work with the Knight Riders’ other franchises in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket in the U.S., and the ILT20 league in the UAE.
Dwayne Bravo Joins Kolkata Knight Riders as New Mentor
Former West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo has been appointed as the new mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), following his recent retirement from all formats of cricket, announced via Instagram. Bravo steps into the role previously held by Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to an IPL title during his successful tenure with the team.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Bravo met KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) before accepting the role. In addition to his responsibilities with KKR, Bravo will also mentor other teams under the Knight Riders umbrella, including Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).
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“Having DJ Bravo join us is an exciting milestone. His determination to win, combined with his extensive experience and cricket knowledge, will significantly benefit our franchise and players,” KKR CEO Mysore told ESPNcricinfo.
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Dwayne Bravo Announces Retirement from Cricket
In an emotional Instagram post, Dwayne Bravo bid farewell to international cricket, reflecting on his 21-year career. He wrote, “Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. Since the age of five, I knew this was my calling—the sport I was destined to play.
I had no interest in anything else and dedicated my entire life to it. In return, cricket gave me the life I always dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can never thank you enough.”
Bravo had retired from international cricket in 2021 but remained active in franchise cricket and coaching roles. He most recently worked with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and was appointed Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bravo became a T20 cricket legend, known for his composure under pressure, especially with his slower deliveries and death-over bowling. He also led Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to consecutive CPL titles in 2017 and 2018 and guided St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to their first-ever CPL title in 2021.
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FAQs
Q.1. When did Dwayne Bravo retire from all forms of cricket?
Ans. Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 27, 2024, following a groin injury during the Caribbean Premier League.
Q.2. What is Dwayne Bravo’s new role in the IPL 2025?
Ans. Dwayne Bravo has been named the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 IPL season, succeeding Gautam Gambhir.
Q.3. Which teams will Bravo mentor besides Kolkata Knight Riders?
Ans. Besides KKR, Bravo will mentor Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).
Q.4. What is Dwayne Bravo’s T20 wicket record?
Ans. Dwayne Bravo holds the record for the most wickets in T20 cricket, with 631 wickets in 582 matches.
Q.5. Why did Gautam Gambhir step down as KKR’s mentor?
Ans. Gautam Gambhir stepped down as KKR’s mentor to become the head coach of the Indian national cricket team.
