Dwayne Bravo Leaves CSK; Replaces Gautam Gambhir As KKR's Mentor For IPL 2025

Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has joined 2024 IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor. In an official press release on Friday (September 27), the franchise confirmed the development, adding he will also be part of the group’s other franchises globally, including CPL, MLC, and ILT20.

The 40-year-old Bravo, who was associated with Chennai Super Kings as bowling coach in the 2024 edition of the IPL, will replace India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir as KKR’s mentor. Gambhir, who led KKR to IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014 as captain, had joined KKR as mentor last year and in his first year, helped them win the title. After a successful stint with the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise, the former left-handed batter left the role to join the Indian men’s cricket team as head coach.

“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. We’re also pleased that Bravo will be involved with our other franchises globally, including CPL, MLC, and ILT20,” Knight Riders group CEO Venky Mysore said in a press release.

“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,” Bravo said after his appointment.

In the IPL, apart from playing for MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, Bravo represented Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2010 and also played for Gujarat Lions in the 2016 edition.

He holds the record for dismissing the most number of batters in T20s. He played in a total of 582 matches for more than a dozen teams and got rid of as many as 631 batters.

As part of the West Indies men’s cricket team, he won the 2012 and 2016 editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup under Daren Sammy’s leadership.