‘Messaged him a few times and…’ Dwayne Bravo reveals trying to contact Gautam Gambhir ahead of IPL 2025

Former West Indian legend Dwayne Bravo has joined current Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the mentor. The 42-year-old has replaced Gautam Gambhir who was the mentor last season when KKR won the title for the third time. Bravo, during his plays days had represented Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and won titles with the latter. 

During his chat with the media, Bravo was asked if he tried to get in touch with Gambhir. Bravo was quoted by PTI as saying “Definitely, I messaged him a few times and stuff. But again, I will be leaning a lot on these guys because they had a successful formula. And it's important that we follow that formula. I think it's going to be disrespectful of me not to try and find out some of the good things he did last season. But also, the core of the team is here," 

The former West Indian star also added “Unfortunately, we lost some players. But I think GG had his style, I have my style. We're both successful in our own ways,". Gambhir after his title winning feats with KKR was named the Indian coach. The 43-year-old was at the helm when India won the Champions Trophy title recently. 

Dwayne Bravo’s past association with Knight Riders franchise 

This is not the first time Dwayne Bravo will be associated with the Knight Riders franchise. The former West Indian skipper has already played for the Trinbago Knight Riders franchise in the Caribbean Premier League. The 42-year-old also praised team owner Shah Rukh Khan during his chat with the media. 

Bravo said “I think it is good to have a boss like Shah Rukh Khan who is definitely invested in the game. My first thing started off with the Trinbago Knight Riders when he first brough the team. I was the happiest person on the planet to know that someone like him showed that interest to buy a team in the Caribbean. But only in Caribbean, but my hometown. And I was happy to help build TKR , one of, to this day the most successful franchise in CPL history”

KKR will kick off their campaign with a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home. The match will be played on the 22nd of March at the Eden Gardens as Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar will lead their respective sides.