Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the appointment of former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as their new team mentor ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Bravo, who recently retired from all forms of cricket after suffering a groin injury during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), succeeds former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir in the mentor role. His vast T20 experience and decorated career make him a valuable addition to the KKR setup.
Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Group, expressed his excitement about Bravo’s appointment, stating, “DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development. His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players.” Mysore also confirmed that Bravo will be involved with the Knight Riders’ other global franchises, including those in the CPL, Major League Cricket (MLC), and ILT20.
This new role marks Bravo’s second coaching stint in the IPL, following his successful run as bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after retiring as a player in 2022. Bravo has a rich IPL legacy, having won four titles with CSK and becoming the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 183 wickets. He was also the first player to win two Purple Caps (2013, 2015) for being the highest wicket-taker in a season.
Excited about his new chapter with KKR, Bravo shared, “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.”
Bravo’s remarkable T20 career includes 582 matches, 631 wickets, nearly 7,000 runs, and multiple championship wins, making him one of the most successful players in the format. His addition as a mentor will provide valuable insights and leadership to KKR as they prepare for the 2025 season.
