Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who is now the mentor of reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders, has defended the team’s strategy of “going all out” for Venkatesh Iyer to keep the “core” of the IPL championship-winning side intact. Seen as a potential captaincy candidate for KKR, Venkatesh’s acquisition has sparked some criticism over why he wasn’t retained if leadership was part of the team thinktank’s plan for him. “Getting Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) was one of the main priorities for us, as you could see, we went all out for him,” said Bravo, a four-time IPL winner at Chennai Super Kings.

“It’s good that we have 90 per cent of the players from the championship-winning team. That in itself is a positive sign.

“It’s important to keep your core because when you have to build from scratch, it becomes complicated to make combinations and all.” “We started planning while I was in Trinidad. We had come with a proper plan, the players we wanted to target,” added Bravo, who will be in charge of all the franchises of the Knight Riders label in T20 leagues.

At a staggering Rs 23.75 crore, the 29-year old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, who has represented India in nine T20Is and two ODIs, emerged as the third most expensive player at the two-day IPL mega auction that concluded here on Monday.

Only Rishabh Pant (Lucknow, Rs 27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (Punjab, Rs 26.75 crore) were ahead of Venkatesh on the list of most expensive players as he even eclipsed experienced Indian batter KL Rahul, a former Lucknow Super Giants captain, who was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore.

Bravo was also excited that KKR roped in fiery pacer Umran Malik.

“The pace at which he operates, I always admire him — his work ethic, energy and all. Happy that we’re able to nail him down.” KKR CEO and MD Venky Mysore added: “The way the retention rules are set up, the RTM rules, the salary caps, marquee players, and the two-day auction — this was definitely more demanding, for sure. Quite nerve-wracking because of the nuances. “The think tank’s unanimous view was to maintain the structure, which we have done. In certain areas, we have also improved and upgraded. Hopefully, it will continue to work well.” Mysore also highlighted the value Rovman Powell would bring to the Kolkata Knight Riders setup, emphasising his extensive experience and leadership qualities.

“Rovman Powell, over the years, we have seen what he has done in the CPL, other leagues, and, of course, the IPL as well. He’s highly experienced, leads West Indies — that leadership experience, captaincy, and what he has achieved — all of it put together makes him really, really special. Great to have him in the side.

South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen admitted that he is hesitant to try India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav’s shots and also revealed his thoughts on T20 cricket, his memorable innings and a few personal favourites. Asked to describe his batting style in one word, Klaasen replied simply, “Explosive.” When it came to naming the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) T20 player, he said on JioCinema’s Q20s show, “I would say… Suryakumar Yadav probably.”

Known for his hard-hitting approach, Klaasen shared that his favourite shot is the “pick-up pull shot” and named Jasprit Bumrah as the “toughest bowler to hit out in T20s.” When asked to pick a shot he’d like to borrow from a batter, past or present, he replied, “It would be a combination of the scoop of AB de Villiers and Suryakumar Yadav. They both have this technique to hit fine leg off straight balls, which is phenomenal.”

Reflecting on his T20 career, Klaasen recalled two standout performances against India – his 81 in 2022 or 69 in 2018. He chose the former as his favourite. “Probably the 81. That was the better one in tougher conditions,” he remarked.

Klaasen named Yuzvendra Chahal as “the funniest non-South African player” he’s played with and shared his love for butter chicken as his favourite Indian dish.

For inspiration from other sports, Klaasen named multiple Formula 1 World Drivers Championship winner Lewis Hamilton, saying, “I wish I had the ability to drive cars like him.”

Klassen also suggested that Nicholas Pooran is the one batter who could potentially score a double hundred in T20 cricket. When asked who he’d trust to bat for his life, he replied, “Probably Hashim Amla.”

Speaking about the one shot he’s always wanted to try but hesitated on, Klassen said, “The one that Suryakumar Yadav plays over fine leg – Supla Shot. I don’t like getting into line too much,” he admitted with a laugh.

Former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo has thanked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and the management for showing faith and appointing him as the mentor of the franchise. Bravo on Friday was named mentor by the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, and will also work KKR’s sister franchises in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket and ILT20. In a video message, Bravo also thanked his former team, Chennai Super Kings, for ‘blessing’ him in the next chapter of his career as coach.

Bravo, who announced his IPL retirement in 2021, worked as the bowling coach of the franchise in the IPL 2022 and IPL 2023 seasons.

“To all the Knight Riders fans and all DJ Bravo fans around the world, first, I want to say thank you. A big, big thank you to the Knight Riders family and the management for trusting me, giving me the opportunity to be a part of a very special franchise. I want to say a big thank you also to the management and staff of the Chennai Super Kings for giving me the blessings to move on and carry on in my journey. I believe I always wanted to be in a position where I could inspire the next generation of champions,” Bravo said in the video.

Bravo also recalled KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan’s message to him, claiming win continue to ‘party and win trophies’ in the coming years.

“So now, with that being said. I look forward to doing my best and I look forward to doing great things with the team in Purple. To our boss SRK (Shah Rukh Khan), as he always says, we are going to enjoy, we are going to have fun. We are going to party and we are going to win. From the Champion, thank you very much. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo, Ami KKR,” 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 the bowling coach.

The renowned West Indies all-rounder lifted 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.

(With ANI Inputs)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the new mentor for the franchise, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Bravo, a legend of the T20 format, announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket after a bitter conclusion to his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season, due to an injury. Just hours after making retirement from the sport as a player public, Bravo signed for KKR as their new mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir.

“DJ Bravo joining us is a very exciting development. His deep desire to win wherever he plays, his extensive experience and knowledge will benefit the franchise and all players immensely. We are also pleased that he will be involved with all our franchises around the world – CPL, MLC and ILT20,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement. 

Here’s to creating more ‘Champion’ memories! @VenkyMysore | @DJBravo47 pic.twitter.com/KweWi895Ug

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 27, 2024

The fact that Bravo, who is a Chennai Super Kings legend, joined a rival IPL franchise as mentor, left many CSK fans stunned with the decision. 

CSK Fans Not forgive KKR management chhodenge nhi

— (@arpitalokmishra) September 27, 2024

Bravo also expressed his enthusiasm as he marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He said: “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.”

The West Indies great had earlier retired from international cricket in 2021 and stepped away from IPL.

Bravo, who had already announced at the start of the ongoing CPL that it would be his last season, shared a post on Instagram, “Dear Cricket, today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. From the age of five, I knew this was what I wanted to do- this was the sport I was destined to play. I had no interest in anything else, and dedicated my entire life to you. In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can’t thank you enough.”

Over the last 12 months, he has worked with both his IPL side Chennai Super Kings and was also appointed Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.

“Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer – it’s been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows. Most importantly, I was able to live my dream because I gave you 100 (per cent) at every step. As much as l’d love to continue this relationship, it’s time to face reality. My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain. I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent,” the post read.

In an 18-year career, Bravo set the benchmark in T20 cricket, winning titles at the IPL, PSL and Big Bash, as well as becoming a two-time world champion with West Indies. He finishes with 631 wickets in the format from 582 appearances – second only to compatriot Kieron Pollard.

“So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell. Though this ending is bittersweet, I have no regrets about my career or this decision. Now, I look forward to my next chapter,” the post concluded.

With IAN Inputs

West Indies decorated all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from all cricket after his farewell Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season was cut short due to an injury. Bravo, who is going to turn 41 next month, is the leading wicket-taker in the T20 format. Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021 and decided to end his time in the Indian Premier League last year. In the past year, Bravo shifted his focus to coaching roles, featuring for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Afghanistan.

“Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. From the age of five, I knew this was what I wanted to do–this was the sport I was destined to play. I had no interest in anything else, and I dedicated my entire life to you. In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can’t thank you enough,” Bravo said in a post on Instagram.

Bravo was set to retire from the CPL after the conclusion of the ongoing campaign. His accolades boast him as the most decorated player to feature in the tournament, lifting five titles, including three with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

In his farewell season, the TKR all-rounder ended up sustaining an injury while attempting to complete a catch of St Lucia Kings captain Faf du Plessis in the seventh over.

He left the field immediately and didn’t bowl a single over, which eventually turned out to be his final game in the CPL. He stepped up to bat at the number 11 during TKR’s failed attempt to chase down 219.

In the CPL, Bravo played 107 matches and scored 1,155 runs at an average of 20.62 and a strike rate of 129.33. With the ball, he took 129 wickets at an average of 23.02.

Overall, Bravo has finished his career with by setting a benchmark in the T20 format across the globe, with 631 wickets in the format in 582 appearances.

“Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer – it’s been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows. Most importantly, I was able to live my dream because I gave you 100 per cent at every step. As much as I’d love to continue this relationship, it’s time to face reality. My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain. I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent. So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell,” Bravo added in his retirement post.

After his stint in the CPL concluded, Bravo was set to feature in the UAE’s ILT20, after being retained by MI Emirates. However, he decided to opt against playing in the tournament and announced his decision to retire.

Bravo thanked his fans for the support and love he received throughout his illustrious career and admitted that he has no regrets over his decision.

“To my fans, I want to say a massive THANK YOU for your unwavering love and support throughout the years. To all my fans across the Caribbean, worldwide, and especially in Trinidad & Tobago – thank you for standing by me, especially in these recent weeks. Though this ending is bittersweet, I have no regrets about my career or this decision. Now, I look forward to my next chapter. Once again, thank you. See you soon on the other side. With love, Sir Champion,” Bravo concluded.

During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 clash against South Africa on Monday, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell surpassed former cricketer Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker for the Caribbeans in the history of the T20 WC. In a fine show of nerves and calm, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada defied heroic spells by Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph to extend their unbeaten run in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup to seven matches and reached the semifinals with a three-wicket win over West Indies at Antigua on Monday.

Russell bowled exceptionally well against the Proteas where the all-rounder managed to scalp two wickets in his spell of four overs where he conceded 19 runs.

With these two wickets, the right-arm seamer took his total count in the T20 WC history to 29 which is the highest so far by any West India bowler. The previous best was held by Bravo who had a total of 27 wickets in the marquee event.

Coming to the match, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. West Indies was reduced to 5/2, but an 81-run stand between Kyle Mayers (35 in 34 balls with three fours and two sixes) and Roston Chase (52 in 42 balls, with three fours and two sixes) brought them back in the game. However, Proteas bowlers kept striking at regular intervals after this partnership, restricting WI to 135/8 in their 20 overs.

Tabraiz Shamsi (3/27) was the pick of the bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen, skipper Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada got a wicket each.

In the run-chase of 136 runs, SA lost two wickets early. Due to the interruption of action by rain, the Proteas were given a new target of 123 runs in 17 overs. At one point, the match was 50-50, with SA at 110/7 in 15.2 overs, despite crucial knocks from Tristan Stubbs (29 in 27 balls, with four boundaries) and Heinrich Klaasen (22 in 10 balls, with three fours and a six). However, Jansen (21*) and Rabada (5*) found boundaries at crucial stages, finishing the chase with five balls and three wickets in hand.

Chase (3/12) was the pick of the bowlers for WI. Alzarri Joseph and Andre Russell also got two wickets.

With this victory, South Africa has ended their Super Eights campaign undefeated, with three wins in three matches. England is the other team to move to the semifinals, with two wins and a loss in three matches. West Indies, the hosts of the competition, have been knocked out, with just a win and two losses to their name in the Super Eights.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Tuesday announced the appointment of  West Indies great Dwayne Bravo as the Bowling Consultant of the national team for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will kick off on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies. Bravo is set to join the team during the preparation camp ahead of the marquee event in the Caribbean. Bravo has taken 625 wickets in T20 cricket, making him the current leader in the format. He is also one of the most successful fast-bowling all-rounders in T20 cricket, having amassed around 7000 runs in the format.

“The 40-year-old Bravo was a former right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder for West Indies, having played 295 international matches, scoring 6423 runs and picking up 363 wickets. He has also 100 FC, 227 List A and a mammoth 573 T20 caps to his name,” ACB said in an official statement.

Bravo has gained respect and adoration worldwide for his unique blend of cricket and entertainment. He has won multiple titles, including the Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, IPL, and CPL.

Bravo has played internationally and most recently worked as the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling coach during the 2024 Indian Premier League.

In order to get ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, AfghanAtalan has already travelled to St. Kitts and Nevis. They will be supervised by DJ Bravo and the coaching team during a 10-day training camp.

Earlier, ACB announced the 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup which will kick off on June 1.

Star spinner Rashid Khan will lead the squad while Hashmatullah Shahidi who led the team in the previous edition of the tournament has been dropped from the squad. Shahidi made his last appearance in the T20I format in 2022 against Ireland.

The tournament will kick off on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies. Afghanistan have been placed in Group C alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda and the West Indies.

Afghanistan will open their campaign against Uganda on June 4 at the Providence Stadium, Guyana.

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai and Saleem Safi.