Dwayne Bravo seeks ex-KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir's help ahead of IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) newly-appointed mentor, Dwayne Bravo, revealed that he approached his predecessor Gautam Gambhir for ideas and insights ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Bravo replaces Gambhir, who led KKR to their third IPL title in 2024 as mentor before getting on the role of India's head coach.

With the authority of maintaining and enduring KKR’s winning momentum, Bravo highlighted Gambhir’s impact and admitted to getting inspiration from someone who has been there done that in the past. The former Caribbean cricketer pointed out that while he has his own unique approach towards the game, he values the successful strategies and insights implemented and built by the current India head coach last season. 

"GG had his style, and I have mine. We are both successful in our own ways. I messaged him a few times to ask some questions, and I will continue to build on the good work he has left behind. It would be disrespectful not to try and understand the things he did well last season. But at the same time, the core of the team remains intact, and I will rely on them as well," Bravo said, as quoted by India Today.

Following Shreyas Iyer’s decision to enter the auction, KKR have also got a new captain in Ajinkya Rahane. Iyer was afterwards bought by Punjab Kings for a mind-boggling record-breaking INR 26.5 crore. Now, the reigning champions will want the team to retain their trophy under Rahane, with Venkatesh Iyer named as his deputy.

Rahane, who played previously for the Kolkata-based franchise in the 2022 season, brings vast leadership exposure and experience, having led India in all three formats and led Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons. With a strong squad that includes the likes of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh among others, KKR seem determined to clone their success from last year. 

Also Read: WATCH - KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane offers worship ahead of title-defending IPL 2025 season

The team has already begun its preparations and will kick off its IPL 2025 campaign on March 22 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their fortress, Eden Gardens.