Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bravo, who is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the cash-rich league with 183 wickets from 161 matches, did not give his name to the list of players who have registered themselves for the upcoming mini-auction.
The 39-year-old will rejoin the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2023 but in a new role of a bowling coach. The Trinidadian will replace Laxmipathy Balaji, who has opted for a break due to personal reasons.
“I’m looking forward to this new journey because it’s something I see myself doing after my playing days is fully over. I enjoy working with bowlers, and it’s a role I’m excited about. From player to coach, I don’t think I have to adjust much because while I’m playing, I always work with bowlers and try to come up with plans and ideas on how to have that one step ahead of the batsmen. The only difference is I will no longer be standing at mid-on or mid-off. I never thought I would be the leading wicket-taker in the history of IPL. But I’m just happy to be a part of IPL history,” Bravo said in a statement issued by CSK.
Notably, Bravo has been an integral part of the Yellow Army since 2011. He was a part of CSK’s IPL victories in 2011, 2018 and 2021 and the Champions League T20 triumph in 2014. Bravo was the first player to win the Purple Cap in an IPL season twice (2013 and 2015). Overall, he has played 144 matches for the Super Kings, in which the all-rounder has scored 1556 runs.
“Congratulations to Dwayne Bravo on a tremendous career in the IPL. He has been a crucial member of the Super Kings family for more than a decade, and we are excited to continue the association. Bravo’s vast experience will be of immense value to our players and support staff. We are confident our bowling group will thrive under his guidance,” said K.S Viswanathan, CSK CEO.
