CHENNAI: World T20 champion Dwayne Bravo received a rousing reception from fans in the city as he launched the ‘Ultimate Sports Coaching’ camp for cricketers at a mall in Vadapalani.
Bravo, who was a bit moody at start, found his rhythm as he grooved to the Champion jingle. The Chennai Super Kings regular earned a lot of admiration and respect from fans in the city for his inspirational outings for the now-suspended MS Dhoni-led team, making him a household name in the state and the country.
“It is nice to be back in the city and launch the cricket camp. Thanks to the fans for all of their support” said Bravo, shooting a video of fans at the mall chanting “champion, champion.”
The mercurial all-rounder believed right from the start that his team would win the T20 World Cup. “From the time we left the Caribbean, we were confident that we would do well and win the cup. At no stage did we feel that we would be knocked out. We went stage by stage, beat India in the semifinal, and then won the final against England. Even after beating India, the crowd was with us, and the standing ovation after the final was special,” recalled Bravo.
Bravo, 32, will play for the Gujarat Lions in the IPL this season. Right from captain Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Brendon McCullum and himself, one gets the feeling that the Gujarat franchise is the new Super Kings.
“No, there can never be another CSK. The atmosphere, the squad, and the support from the fans made CSK a quality unit,” opined Bravo.
“I have not met many of the Gujarat players. I do not know them, for I am yet to join the team. But, we do have players like Raina, Jadeja and others who have played for Super Kings. I think Raina will do a good job as captain, for he has plenty of experience.”
Bravo’s mid-pitch discussions with Dhoni were instrumental in winning many a battle for the Chennai side. “Any player will miss Dhoni’s captaincy. He’s a shrewd thinker and one of the best captains in the world,” said Bravo.