Windies recruit Dwayne Bravo, who’s an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is confident for the impending IPL 2019 season. He is aiming to contribute with the bat too, to retain the IPL title, following a mixed show in the last edition when the CSK lifted the trophy in Wankhede against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
In 2018, the Caribbean star, Bravo has featured in 16 games for the CSK on its return after a prolonged gap of two years. The Super Kings were facing a ban for the involvement of an administration in the 2013 IPL scandal.
In 2018, Bravo amassed 141 runs at an average of 35.25 with the help of a solitary half-century. Bravo has snared 14 scalps in the previous season of IPL.
So far, CSK has won its third title after Mumbai Indians (MI) won its third title in 2017 under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
Bravo remarked in IPL 2018, everyone ruled CSK out by questioning the selection procedure. Also, Chennai were relying on players who were 30-plus. However, Dhoni and team management have reposed faith in the team to lift the coveted title.
“The way CSK went about picking the squad at the auction – experience along with some talented young players. The core of the team was kept, and that made a huge difference. Last year everyone doubted us, and we went on to win the crown,” Bravo told official website of the CSK.
IPL 2019: Dwayne Bravo is happy to be in Chennai –
Meanwhile, CSK will play their first match at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on March 23 (Saturday). Bravo is hopeful of delivering according to the expectations.
While missing out on the tenth edition due to an injury, Bravo has played overall 122 matches to score 1379 runs while smashing five half-centuries. With his medium pace bowling, Bravo has bagged 136 wickets at an average of 23.90.
The 35-year-old Trinidadian cricketer Bravo is happy to see core group backing each other at different circumstances.
While talking on the lines of expectations, Bravo stressed that previous edition is done and dusted. He added they’re ready for the fresh challenge and their sole aim is to defend their title.
“Last year is long gone. Every season is different, this is a new edition and we have come to win,” Bravo responded.
Interestingly, by strengthening their case on making it to the nine Playoffs, CSK has always been a team which relied on all-round performances.
From Dhoni, Faf du Plessis, Bravo and now Shane Watson, CSK have bagged the milestones in each of the seasons.
IPL 2019: Bravo on Fan-base and Commitment:
The CSK’s premier all-rounder Bravo has also expressed happiness in returning to the fold. He is excited to contribute apart from his batting and bowling. Known for his acrobatics, Bravo is capable of changing the complexion of the game with his fielding efforts.
On making the core among senior campaigners alongside skipper MS Dhoni. Besides, Bravo believes it’s evident with the way boys have stepped up to contribute. The fans are keen to witness the CSK lifting their fourth IPL title.
“Very important. Keeping the core group and retaining most of the players has been CSK’s strength over 10 seasons. It’s a belief and a reward at the same time,” Bravo added.
In addition, Bravo has also boasted about the strong fan-base for the Yellow brigade.
“I think our fans have a big part to play, they are very passionate and they keep supporting us,” Bravo maintained.
He maintained they’re passionate to witness their team making the mark in the domestic professional league competition.
“Always been exciting coming back here. I’ve had some of my best cricket days at the Den. We have the biggest fan base across the world. Feels great to be in Yellow and win games for a City that’s very passionate about cricket,” Bravo said.
It is an important stat to point out that CSK has retained the IPL title in 2011 and has overall won 70 per cent of its fixtures at their den.