There will not be another CSK: Dwayne Bravo
Image Courtesy: © Facebook - Chennai Super Kings
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has said that he will miss playing under MS Dhoni, and that there will not be another team like Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. However, he has thrown his full support behind his new skipper Suresh Raina, and has hoped that the CSK fans support the Gujarat Lions.
“Yes. I will miss Dhoni’s leadership and any player for that matter will miss him because he is one of the best Captains in the world,” Bravo was quoted as saying by the PTI at the launch of the “Ultimate Sports Coaching Programme” at a city mall in Chennai.
Bravo's former team Chennai Super Kings were suspended by the Lodha Committee for two years, and this season he will wear the jersey of the new IPL franchise the Gujarat Lions. His former team-mate at CSK, Suresh Raina, will lead the team on the field, and Bravo feels he is the right man for the job.
“We do play under different captains. But, it is a good opportunity for Suresh Raina to show his leadership skills. We players have to give that support. Hundred percent we are going to support Raina.
“Suresh Raina has years of experience and is the right man to lead the side. We are confident that he will do a good job. I have not met the team as of yet. We have new owners and I will have new teammates. He has a good team and will to excel,” he added.
When asked whether the Gujarat Lions, who have signed a lot of former CSK players in the draft, are the new CSK, Bravo said, “There will never be a next CSK. There will not be another CSK. But, I think the people in Chennai will support Gujarat Lions because we have five players from CSK team.
(Also, read Raina's thoughts on leaving CSK after eight years)Â
“Besides me, there will be Raina, Brendon McCullum, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Smith. I am excited about the new team, new franchise but we have the core of CSK players. We know how to win matches and we will be a force to be reckoned with”.
Bravo also insisted that the IPL will not lose its 'intensity' despite the absence of the CSK and the RR from the lineup this season.
“Although there won’t be Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in this edition, I don’t see any let down in the intensity of the tournament. The league will miss its past two champions.
“But you will have the players who have played for CSK and Rajasthan playing in the two new teams. There was a time when CSK were the team to beat. Hopefully, Gujarat Lions can rise to the occasion.
“It is going to be a competitive tournament. IPL is a prestigious tournament and every team will want to be IPL champions,” he explained.
