I’ll miss Dhoni’s leadership, says Bravo

A vital member of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for last five years, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo today called Mahendra Singh Dhoni one of the best captains in the world and said he would miss playing under the Indian skipper in IPL-9.

Dhoni had captained CSK to title triumphs in 2010 and 2011, besides leading the side to victories in Champions League in 2010 and 2014.

“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,” said Bravo, who launched a “Ultimate Sports Coaching Programme” at a city Mall here.

“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.”

Two-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suspended by the RM Lodha committee for a period of two years last July.

Asked if Gujarat Lions is a 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.

“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,” he said.

The Trinidadian said there won’t be any let down in the intensity of the IPL tournament due to the absence of Chennai Super Kings or Rajasthan Royals in this edition.

“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,” said Bravo.

“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.”