Dwayne Bravo has a special message for CSK fans after joining KKR

The former West Indies all-rounder thanked the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management for their love and support during his tenure as the franchise’s bowling coach as he joined the Indian Premier League champions ( IPL) 2024 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Champion note to sign @DJBravo47 💛

We love you yellow Champ 💛#DwayneBravo #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/UHy1HCea6I

– WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) September 27, 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders have announced former West Indies all-rounder Bravo as the franchise’s new mentor, taking over from Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).

A day before the announcement, Bravo, who turns 41 next month, retired from all forms of cricket after suffering a groin injury in the Caribbean Premier League. Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021 and decided to end his Indian Premier League tenure last year. Over the past year, Bravo has focused on coaching roles, including for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Afghanistan.

TO READ | Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Speaking in a video on CSK’s official handle X, Bravo said, “Vanakkam, he is a champion. It’s no secret now that the news has broken that I’ve accepted the contract to become a mentor for the Knight Riders franchise. I just want to take this time to give a special mention and special thanks to the CSK management team for giving me their blessing to continue doing something that I am truly passionate about,” Bravo said.

“My fans in Chennai and all CSK fans around the world, I request you to shower me with your blessings and support as you always do. I know this is a sad time for you, but I encourage you to continue to support me in everything I do. Lots of love, yellow, all the time. See you soon guys. We’ll see you on the other side,” he added.

Bravo’s stint with KKR will be his second coaching role in the cash-rich league. He joined the Chennai Super Kings in 2011, retired from the franchise in 2022 and in 2023 joined the five-time champions as bowling coach.

The famous West Indies all-rounder won four IPL titles with CSK in different roles. The decorated Caribbean star is the third highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 183 scalps and also the first player to win two purple caps in the tournament, in 2013 and 2015.

Bravo is excited about the new chapter that will unfold in his life and said: “I have been a part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for 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 passion of the owners, the professionalism of the management and the family atmosphere make it a place apart. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from being a player to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.

During his illustrious career, he played 582 T20 matches, took 631 wickets and scored almost 7,000 runs. With more league wins than any other cricketer.

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(With contributions from ANI)