They Called Us Granddad Of IPL But We Proved Them Wrong: Dwayne Bravo On CSK's IPL 2021 Title Triumph

Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo said he is happy to be part of the Chennai Super Kings’ legacy.

CSK outsmarted Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 final by 27 runs to lift their fourth IPL title and they are just one behind their rivals Mumbai Indians in the list.

It was a very strong comeback by the Yellow Army after a dismal campaign in IPL 2020 in UAE, where for the first time in the tournament’s history they couldn’t make it to the knockout stage.

All CSK players were determined to come back: Dwayne Bravo

CSK relies on their experienced players like Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina with most of the players being above 30. Fans and experts have often dubbed CSK players as ‘Dad’s Army’.

Bravo said that the team gave a befitting reply to its critics after winning the IPL 2021.

“It was a special season because the season before, we came seventh and it was the first time CSK did not qualify (for playoffs) in the history of IPL. So, all of us as players were determined to come back and prove ourselves and the fans that we are much better than last season,” Bravo told news agency IANS.

“So, even last season, no one gave us a chance because they called us the granddad of the IPL but we proved all the doubters wrong and created history again. I am very happy to be a part of the legacy of Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL franchises ever,” he added.

MS Dhoni single-handedly built CSK and the culture: Dwayne Bravo

Skipper MS Dhoni has to be given the credit for CSK’s massive transformation after one bad season. Dhoni’s astute leadership is the reason why the franchise is still able to compete and win just like they did in the old days.

Bravo hailed Dhoni for his leadership skills and said everyone is fortunate to seek his guidance and share a good bond with him.

“It’s no secret that he is one of the best players to have ever played the game. He single-handedly built Chennai Super Kings and the culture. All of us as players are very proud and happy to have played under him and his leadership guidance. When it comes to off the field stuff, he doesn’t get involved much,” Bravo said.

“He is very laid back, allows people to be themselves and brings acceptance that everyone is different. He allowed that to make Chennai Super Kings to be the team and franchise that they are when they have different cultures and people from different parts of the world coming in.

“MS always makes it clear that you want them to be themselves and that’s very unique and everybody shares that bond,” he added.

CSK retained Jadeja as their first-choice player along with Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali.

Bravo retired from international cricket after the T20 World Cup as West Indies failed to qualify for the semi-final stage. He represented his country in 40 Tests, 164 ODIs and 91 T20 Internationals.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Auction: 3 Teams Which Can Target Dwayne Bravo