Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
West Indies and CSK veteran Dwayne Bravo has called time on his IPL career as the all-rounder announced retirement from the Indian T20 tournament. Bravo will now take a new role in CSK franchise for the IPL 2023 season. In an official statement, CSK announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the team's bowling coach ahead of IPL 2023. Notably, the current bowling coach of the Yellow Army, L Balaji, is taking a break for one year due to personal commitments, but he will be available for the Super Kings Academy.
"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!" said Bravo in the statement.
"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 that our bowling group will thrive under his guidance", said Chennai Super Kings CEO, K .S Viswanathan.
Notably, Bravo, who has been part of IPL since its inception in 2008, is the highest ever wicket taker in the tournament, with 183 wickets from 161 matches. The all-rounder has also scored 1560 runs in the competition.
Bravo has overall played 144 matches for Chennai Super Kings, picking up 168 wickets and scoring 1556 runs.