As KKR gears up for a fresh season with a new mentor and captain, Bravo made it clear\u2014there\u2019s no need to fix what isn\u2019t broken.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having spoken to Gambhir, the architect of KKR\u2019s 2024 triumph who has now moved on to coach Team India, Bravo emphasised the importance of continuity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be disrespectful of me not to try and find out some of the good things he (Gambhir) did last season. The core of the team is here. It was our duty to go into the auction and try to get back as much as the same squad of players from the championship-winning team. We were able to get that. Unfortunately, we lost some players,\u201d Bravo said at the season-opening press conference of the franchise at the Eden Garden here on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former West Indies all-rounder, a serial winner himself, acknowledged Gambhir\u2019s success but was confident in his own approach. \u201cGG has his style, I have my style. We\u2019re both successful in our own ways. Definitely, I messaged him a few times. I will be leaning a lot on these guys because they had a successful formula. It\u2019s important that we follow that formula.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bravo, who previously led Trinbago Knight Riders\u2014KKR\u2019s sister franchise in the Caribbean Premier League\u2014to multiple titles, is eager to inject his energy and passion into the team. \u201cThat energy and that vibe, I am going to try to bring that here as well. It is already a successful team. We look at building on that,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Shreyas Iyer no longer at the helm, KKR have turned to Ajinkya Rahane to lead the side. The experienced batter, known for his composed leadership, is embracing the challenge with open arms. \"It\u2019s an honour to be the captain of this wonderful franchise,\" Rahane said, acknowledging the responsibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He is also excited to work alongside coach Chandrakant Pandit, someone he knows well from their time together in Mumbai\u2019s domestic setup. \u201cChandu Sir, is very disciplined, focused, and knows how to get the best out of every individual.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Rahane, team unity is key. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s always about having good communication with our players. Giving them that freedom on the field to express themselves and try and understand each other. It will be a challenge for us to defend the title. That\u2019s why we play cricket,\u201d he said, exuding quiet confidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With preparation in full swing, Rahane believes KKR is ready. \u201cOur preparation has been really good. We had a very good 10-day camp in Mumbai and then here. I expect everyone to have good intent and good attitude.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
If there\u2019s one player under immense scrutiny this season, it\u2019s KKR\u2019s newly appointed vice-captain, Venkatesh Iyer. The all-rounder became the third most expensive player in IPL history after fetching a staggering \u20b923.75 crore at the auction. However, Iyer remains unfazed by the weight of expectations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With preparation in full swing, Rahane believes KKR is ready. \u201cOur preparation has been really good. We had a very good 10-day camp in Mumbai and then here. I expect everyone to have good intent and good attitude.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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