According to ESPNcricinfo, Bravo, who turns 41 in October, will replace Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down from his role as KKR’s mentor after guiding the team to their third IPL title in 2024. Bravo’s new position will not be limited to KKR alone; he will also oversee all Knight Riders-owned franchises in T20 leagues around the world, including Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20 (ILT20).
"DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development," said KKR CEO Venky Mysore in a statement. "His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players."
Bravo's departure from CSK brings an end to a decorated chapter with the franchise he joined in 2011. After retiring from IPL cricket following the 2022 season, he transitioned to the role of CSK's bowling coach and helped guide the team to the 2023 IPL title. Bravo's 2023 success as a coach added to his three IPL titles as a player, solidifying his legacy at CSK.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in the game's history, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and the first player to win two purple caps, awarded to the leading wicket-taker in a season. His mastery as a death bowler, combined with his infectious energy and leadership qualities, made him an invaluable figure both on and off the field.
Bravo confirmed his excitement for the new challenge in a statement. "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’s new role comes as part of a larger restructuring at KKR following Gambhir’s departure to become India’s head coach after the 2024 IPL season. The franchise also lost key figures Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom have taken up roles with India’s support staff. At KKR, Bravo will work alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun, forming a strong management team.
Bravo suffered the injury during CSK's match against the Delhi Capitals on October 17.
Recovery for the veteran all-rounder is expected to take two to three weeks and as such will be out for the remaining matches in the IPL.
His loss will be a blow to CSK who often rely on his death bowling and explosive batting. Bravo has taken 147 IPL wickets, 110 of which he took playing for the Super Kings.
The 37-year-old Trinidadian shared the sad news with his fans on CSK’s Twitter account.
“It’s sad news,” he said. “It’s sad for me to be leaving my team, team CSK. To all our CSK fans, I want you all to keep encouraging the team, keep supporting..”
Bravo’s injury could also have implications for the West Indies cricket team as he was selected as a member of the T20 squad that is to play three matches against New Zealand in New Zealand next month.
CSK lost by six wickets to Lucknow Super Giants in their last outing, but they bounced back in emphatic fashion on Sunday.
Captain Gaikwad was in rampant form, plundering 98 runs from 54 balls, a knock that included 10 fours and three sixes, while Daryl Mitchell added a useful 52.
Tushar Deshpande subsequently picked up the mantle with the ball, taking 4-27, including dismissing Hyderabad's top three - Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Anmolpreet Singh.
Aiden Markram offered some resistance with a 26-ball 32, but once skipper Pat Cummins also fell to Deshpande, the game was all but up.
Jaydev Unadkat was the final one to tumble, as Hyderabad were bowled out for 134 and saw CSK move above them into third in the standings.
Data Debrief: Gaikwad on Kohli's heels
With 447 runs across nine innings, Gaikwad is now second on the list of leading run scorers in the IPL this season, behind only the great Virat Kohli (500).
Gaikward, though, has the better strike-rate at 149.49, while he is averaging 63.86.
The powerfully built Trinidadian allrounder was winning his 15th title and his fifth with Mumbai, also a record for the franchise.
It puts him above compatriot Dwayne Bravo, who has 14, Shoaib Malik with 12, Rohit Sharma, Mumbai’s captain Rohit Sharma with 10 and Lasith Malinga, who has nine titles.
Following Tuesday’s comfortable five-wicket victory over the Capitals, Pollard expressed his joy at winning yet another title but confesses that the path to winning the many trophies he has won has never been easy.
“It's a great feeling. I've been here 11 years, fifth trophy,” said Pollard who won a record fourth Caribbean Premier League title with the Trinbago Knight Riders in September.
“No one sees the planning and training, it's pressure playing for a franchise like this. The amount of trophies, the amount of work, the amount of players who go on to play for their countries, I think we'll have to say so [that this is the best T20 franchise].”
Pollard praised the owners and management of the franchise and aimed a friendly dig at his fellow Trinidadian, who plays for the Chennai Super Kings.
“Dwayne Bravo you're behind now and I'm in front of you, just had to say it on camera.”
From all indications, he seems to relish the pressure that comes with a final. He made reference to this prior to Tuesday's final in a video on Mumbai's Twitter page.
“The name of the game is pressure, in a final. Everyone takes that pressure. You want to win and not commit a mistake, but at the end of the day, you have to try to take the finals as a normal game. Just go out there, enjoy yourself and the atmosphere,” Pollard said.
“Obviously, no crowds in this final, but enjoy the magnitude of it. It is an IPL final, it’s the biggest thing after the World Cup final,.
Pollard will now head to New Zealand where he will represent the West Indies in their three-match T20 season set to begin on November 27.
