Dwayne Bravo retires from IPL, moves into coaching role with CSK

The 39-year-old has been involved with IPL since 2008, missing just one season and chalking up 161 appearances

Dwayne Bravo has retired from the Indian Premier League and taken up a position as bowling coach with Chennai Super Kings.

The West Indian replaces Lakshmipathy Balaji, who has taken a break from the role for personal reasons. He will still be involved with the Super Kings academy.

Bravo has been part of the IPL since it began in 2008, missing just one season (2017) through injury.

During that time he made 161 appearances for Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, joining the latter when CSK were handed a two-season suspension, scoring over 1,500 runs and taking 183 wickets – the most in IPL history.

Nearly 150 of those appearances came for CSK, with whom he lifted IPL titles in 2011, 2018 and 2021.

In a statement confirming his change in role, Bravo said: "I'm looking forward to this new journey because it's something I see myself doing after my playing days is fully over.

^{Bravo retires as the all-time leading wicket-taker in IPL history [Getty Images]}

"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!"

KS Viswanathan, Chennai Super Kings' CEO, added: "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."

Bravo's retirement from the tournament comes hot on the heels of a similar announcement from Mumbai Indians regarding the future of Kieron Pollard.

The former West Indies international opted to take up a batting coach role within the Mumbai franchise in order to allow young talent to come through but will captain affiliated team MI Emirates during the inaugural ILT20 league in the new year. Bravo will be among his teammates in the UAE.