Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from all forms of cricket in an emotional social media post. The former West Indies all-rounder, aged 40, shared that he was stepping away from the sport that had defined his life for nearly four decades. Shortly after his announcement, Indian Premier League (IPL) defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) named Bravo as their new mentor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his cricket journey.

Dwayne Bravo announces retirement

In his Instagram post, Bravo reflected on his lifelong dedication to cricket. “Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything,” he wrote. Bravo shared that from the age of five, he knew cricket was his calling and dedicated his entire life to the sport.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities the game had given him and how it allowed him to fulfill the life he dreamed of for himself and his family. Although his farewell season in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was cut short due to injury, Bravo leaves the game as one of the most decorated players in T20 cricket.

Dwayne Bravo announces retirement
Image Source: ESPNcricinfo

Appointed as KKR Mentor

Following his retirement announcement, Bravo was swiftly appointed as the mentor for KKR, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down in July after being named the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. This new role will see Bravo mentor the IPL team as they prepare for the upcoming season, bringing his extensive experience and leadership to the squad.

In a statement, Bravo expressed his excitement about joining KKR in this new capacity. "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.

CEO of the KKR welcomes Bravo's appointment,

Venky Mysore, CEO of the Knight Riders Group, welcomed Bravo’s appointment with excitement, praising his vast experience and winning mentality. “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,” Mysore said.

Bravo’s new role will extend beyond KKR, as he is expected to be actively involved with the Knight Riders’ other franchises around the world, including those in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, and the International League T20.

Bravo retires as the top wicket-taker in T20 cricket

Dwayne Bravo’s retirement marks the end of a glorious career that spanned nearly two decades. Renowned for his all-round abilities, Bravo made his mark in all formats of the game, particularly in T20 cricket. He first retired from international cricket in 2018 but came out of retirement in 2019 to prepare for the 2020 T20 World Cup. After finally stepping away from international cricket in 2021, he continued playing in domestic leagues around the world, showcasing his skills as a valuable player and leader.

Bravo's achievements are particularly noteworthy in T20 cricket, where his record of 631 wickets remains unmatched. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his experience as a captain and mentor, makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

Bravo to mentor young cricketers in his new role at KKR

As Bravo transitions into his role as a mentor, his focus will be on guiding the next generation of cricketers. With years of experience in both international and domestic cricket, Bravo is well-equipped to help players develop their skills and navigate the challenges of professional cricket. His appointment as KKR’s mentor is a fitting continuation of his career in the sport, allowing him to contribute his knowledge and experience to a team he has great respect for.

Dwayne Bravo’s retirement from cricket marks the end of an illustrious playing career, but his journey in the sport continues as he takes on the role of mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders. With his vast experience, leadership skills, and passion for the game, Bravo is expected to make a significant impact on the team as they prepare to defend their IPL title. As Bravo moves from player to mentor, fans around the world are eager to see how he will shape the future of the sport he loves.

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