"I know this is a sad moment for you guys" - Dwayne Bravo shares a message for CSK after joining KKR ahead of IPL 2025
Former West Indian captain Dwayne Bravo was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a mentorship role on Friday, September 27. He will replace Gautam Gambhir as the KKR mentor after the latter parted ways with the franchise to become Team India's head coach.
Bravo served as the bowling coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the past two editions. He shares a close association with CSK and the team's fans, having been part of the setup as a player from 2011 to 2022.
After parting ways with CSK and joining KKR ahead of IPL 2025, Bravo shared a special message for Chennai fans. He shared a video on his Instagram account, urging the CSK supporters to support him in his new endeavor.
He also thanked the CSK management for allowing him to move on and join the Kolkata-based side.
"Vanakkam, this is a champion. It's not a secret now the news is out that I have accepted the deal to be the mentor of the Knight Riders franchise. Just want to take this time to give a special mention and a special thank you to the CSK management team for giving me their blessings to move on to do something that I am really passionate about," Bravo said.
"My fans in Chennai and to all the CSK fans around the world, I call on you to give me your blessings and support as you always do. I know this is a sad moment for you guys, but it is one that I encourage you to continue to support me in everything that I do. Lot's of love, yellove, all the time. See you guys soon. See you on the other side," he added.
It is worth mentioning that Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Thursday, September 26, a day before he was appointed as the new KKR mentor. With 631 wickets from 546 innings, the 40-year-old is the leading wicket-taker in T20s.
"This is the perfect platform for me " - Dwayne Bravo on his appointment as the new KKR mentor
Dwayne Bravo expressed his excitement at joining the Knight Riders franchise for a mentorship role. He noted that he has played for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), KKR's sister franchise for almost a decade in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
He also mentioned that KKR have passionate owners and there is a family-like atmosphere within the camp. Bravo said in a statement released by KKR:
"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."
Dwayne Bravo was set to retire after the ongoing CPL 2024. However, his campaign ended prematurely due to a groin injury.