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Dwayne Bravo is back in Chennai — but this time, in the opposition dugout. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder and fan-favorite returned to the iconic Chepauk stadium for the first time since taking up his new role as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025.
Bravo, who played a pivotal role in four IPL title wins with CSK in different capacities, joined KKR as a mentor ahead of this season, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who has taken up the role of India’s head coach. On Friday, April 11, Bravo will witness an emotional showdown when KKR face MS Dhoni’s Yellow Army — and emotions are already running high.
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Dhoni’s Hilarious Welcome
Bravo’s return was marked by a heartwarming and hilarious reunion with MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. As Bravo walked into the practice area wearing the purple of KKR, Dhoni — still sharpening his batting skills — couldn’t help but take a dig at his long-time teammate.
“The traitor is here,” Dhoni said with mock disapproval as Bravo approached with a sheepish grin. The moment, captured and shared by CSK on their official Instagram, immediately went viral, titled “MS-DJ: Miss This Vibe.”
Bravo, visibly emotional but playful, replied, “Life is so unfair,” before hugging Jadeja. The trio — who had shared nearly a decade of success and camaraderie — briefly rekindled their old chemistry in what fans are calling “the most wholesome moment of IPL 2025.”
A Storied CSK Legacy
Bravo joined CSK in 2011 after a stint with Mumbai Indians and quickly became a core figure in the team. Between 2011 and 2015, and again from 2018 to 2022, he featured in 39 games at Chepauk and delivered multiple match-winning performances with both bat and ball.
He retired from IPL after the 2022 season and transitioned into the role of bowling coach for CSK, further cementing his bond with the franchise. With 183 wickets and 1560 runs in 161 IPL matches, Bravo remains one of the league’s most iconic all-rounders.
Mentor in Purple
His move to KKR raised eyebrows and bittersweet emotions among CSK fans. Replacing Gautam Gambhir, Bravo is now trying to infuse his experience and winning mentality into a young KKR unit. However, his return to Chennai — the city he once called home — was bound to be emotional.
Despite his new loyalties, Bravo’s admiration for CSK and Dhoni remains intact. In previous interviews, he has often credited the franchise and its leadership for shaping his career and personality.
CSK’s Struggles and Dhoni’s Return
Meanwhile, CSK are going through a rough patch in IPL 2025. After a disappointing IPL 2024 under Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has now been ruled out of the current season due to an elbow injury, MS Dhoni is back at the helm.
However, the five-time champions are reeling at the ninth spot on the points table, with just one win from five games. The pressure is mounting, but with Dhoni back in charge, fans remain hopeful that the team can turn things around.
A Clash of Emotions Awaits
Friday’s match between CSK and KKR is more than just a regular IPL game. It’s a reunion, a rivalry, and a reminder of the bonds that cricket creates and challenges. Will Bravo’s KKR mentor magic work against his old team? Or will Dhoni’s tactical genius get the better of his former teammate?
Either way, fans can expect a contest full of nostalgia, emotions, and high-quality cricket at Chepauk.
