by “I’m looking forward to this new journey because it’s something I see myself doing after my playing days are completely over,” Bravo, 39, said in a franchise statement. “I like working with bowlers and it’s a role I’m excited about. From player to coach I don’t think I need to adjust much because while I’m playing I’m always working with bowlers and trying to come up with plans and ideas about how to stay one step ahead of the batsmen.
Bravo has played in the IPL every year since its inception in 2008 except in 2017, when an injury prevented him from appearing for Gujarat Lions. He had first been signed up by the Mumbai Indians in 2008, and was with the team for three seasons before being bought by the Super Kings in the 2011 auction. When the Super Kings were suspended for two seasons – 2016 and 2017 – Bravo was picked by the Lions, before being retained by the Super Kings in 2018.
He finished with 183 wickets, the highest wicket-taker after 15 seasons of the IPL, 13 more than second-placed Lasith Malinga, and 17 more than the next most successful active bowler: Yuzvendra Chahal. Bravo’s wickets came at an economy rate of 8.38 over 158 innings in 161 matches, with a best of 4 for 22. He also scored 1,560 runs at a strike rate of 129.57.
Like Pollard, Bravo hasn’t completely retired as a player. He currently plays in the Abu Dhabi T10 with the Delhi Bulls and was part of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots squad that played in the CPL 2022 earlier this year. He was one of eight players the Super Kings released by the retention deadline last month. However, at the time it appeared they could buy him back at the next auction, scheduled for December 23, as they had done in 2021.
With the Super Kings, the team he became an integral part of – synonymously almost – over the years, Bravo played 144 matches, picked up 168 wickets and scored 1,556 runs. He was involved in three of their four IPL triumphs – in 2011, 2018 and 2021; the only one he missed was in 2010, when he was still in Mumbai. While with the Super Kings, he won the Purple Cap for most wickets in 2013 (32 wickets) and 2015 (26 wickets). He remains one of two players – Bhuvneshwar Kumar being the other – to win the Purple Cap on two occasions.
“He has been an important member of the Super Kings family for more than a decade and we are delighted to continue the association,” said Kasi Viswanathan, Super Kings CEO. “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.”
