IPL 2026: Trying to teach young bowlers how to think and read game, says KKR’s Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo has had a recurring request from the young Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers in IPL 2026. It is to be taught the dipping slower ball that the free-spirited 42-year-old mastered during his playing days in the shortest format. Lungi Ngidi, who is part of the Delhi Capitals set-up, is a prominent beneficiary of learning the variation from the former West Indies all-rounder during their erstwhile association with Chennai Super Kings.

“Especially since Lungi talked about it, everyone wants me to teach them that slower ball. Thanks, Lungi,” Bravo said amid a ripple of laughter at the pre-match interaction on Thursday.

As mentor of KKR, Bravo’s primary role in the coaching set-up is to work with the bowling group. In addition to helping develop newer skills with the ball, Bravo lays emphasis on the ability to read and understand game-situations.

“My strength was my ability to read and understand the game. That is what I try to coach more than anything else,” he explained. “The brain is the most important thing. And that’s what I try to teach the younger bowling group. Because if they are able to think, they will all be better bowlers.”

Asked about Varun Chakaravarthy’s return to form, Bravo said that a small break due to injury was needed for the spinner to refresh mentally.

“Varun just came from the T20 World Cup, which was also a very hectic tournament. The group was very supportive of him and a mental break was also very needed in a tournament like the IPL,” he said.

Published on May 07, 2026