Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have retained six key players and several familiar faces from their title-winning squad, while welcoming Dwayne Bravo as their new mentor, following Gautam Gambhir’s departure to the India national team. Bravo’s high-energy style contrasts with Gambhir’s reserved approach, raising questions about KKR’s strategy this season. New captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed excitement about Bravo’s extensive T20 experience. Focused on maintaining Gambhir’s successful formula, KKR aims to build on its historical success as the franchise with the third-most trophies. Amid player pressures, Bravo emphasized his commitment to fostering a strong team spirit.
That being said, with Bravo’s lively personality contrasting sharply with Gambhir’s more reserved demeanor, could we see a shift in KKR’s strategy this season? “I think it would be disrespectful of me not to learn from some of the successful aspects he [Gambhir] had last season,” Bravo shared with the media in Kolkata on Thursday. “But the core of the team remains unchanged, and it was my responsibility, along with the coach, to return to the auction and strive to reassemble as much of the championship-winning squad as possible, and we successfully achieved that.
“GG [Gambhir] has his style, and I have mine, and we have both been successful in our own unique ways. I’ve reached out to him a few times, so yes… But ultimately, I will rely heavily on the players here because they have a successful formula, and it’s important to adhere to that.”
One point that was emphasized during Thursday’s conversation was KKR’s intention to not let Gambhir’s absence dominate their narrative for the new season. When Venkatesh was asked about his views on the change in coaching staff, Pandit intervened: “Excuse me, everyone. You know the current situation. Let’s not revisit that. He [Bravo] has already addressed it, so let’s move on.”
With Bravo, KKR has a mentor whose T20 credentials are nearly unparalleled. He has racked up 17 T20 titles, the highest for any player. His five titles as captain – all in the Caribbean Premier League – place him just behind MS Dhoni (9) and Rohit Sharma (8), and on par with Shoaib Malik.
“Experience is invaluable. He’s played countless matches and secured numerous victories for the West Indies and the franchises he’s represented. Therefore, I expect to learn a great deal from him, both personally and as part of a team.”
“I have always positioned myself to play wherever the team requires me throughout my career, and that has always been my mindset,” Rahane remarked. “The team always takes precedence. We still have eight days until the first game, and we need to engage in further discussions with the coach and mentor. Regardless of where I bat, I will always strive to give my best for the team.”
“That said, I also want to emphasize that Venkatesh deserves that hefty price tag. People can talk about it, but he has performed admirably for this franchise on numerous occasions. Thus, he has earned that amount.”
In reality, pre-season inquiries regarding a price tag as hefty as Venkatesh’s are difficult to sidestep. Venkatesh has grown accustomed to such probing questions in recent months, acknowledging the pressure involved; however, once the IPL commences, pressure is a universal experience every player faces in some shape or form.
“It’s truly exhilarating to work with him… He’s a hard-working tactician from what I’ve heard. I’ve always observed him engaging with the bowlers around the boundary line. Thus, I’m really eager to play under his guidance.”
Rahane on Bravo
“Everywhere I go, I keep getting asked this question, so yes, the pressure exists, right?” Venkatesh commented. “You can’t completely disregard it, but when the IPL kicks off, it really doesn’t matter. There is always pressure present in some form. If not due to the price tag, then there will be other factors like selection, performing at your batting position, or fielding. The pressure is inherent in everything for everyone. Therefore, it falls to me now to manage that pressure. I won’t ignore it, but instead will focus on absorbing it while fulfilling my responsibilities.”
Bravo concluded the discussion by sharing how, having collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan at the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL over the past decade, he is eager to give back to the man who invested in franchise cricket in his home country, Trinidad and Tobago.
“In the CPL, I began with the Trinbago Knight Riders when SRK acquired the team, and I was overjoyed to learn that someone like him had shown interest in purchasing a team – not just in the Caribbean, but in my hometown,” Bravo remarked. “I contributed to building the Trinbago Knight Riders into the most successful franchise in CPL history.
“That energy and vibe is what I aim to bring here as well. It’s already a successful team, you know – following Mumbai and CSK [both of which Bravo has represented], we have the third most trophies in our cabinet. We’re looking to build on that success, and with a squad like this, I believe we have a great opportunity to do so.”
As for the most pressing question of the night: “Is Bravo set to release a new song to commemorate his association with KKR?” Bravo smiled and responded that the Caribbean rendition of Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo would have to wait.
Sreshth Shah is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo. @sreshthx