New Delhi: West Indies' legendary all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He will join the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a mentor, ending his long association with Chennai Super Kings.

World Cup winner Ravo will replace Gautam Gambhir at KKR, who left the role earlier this year to take over as India's head coach. Bravo had to leave the current season of the Caribbean Premier League midway due to injury.

40-year-old Bravo wrote on Instagram on Thursday, "Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. 21 years as a professional cricketer has been an incredible journey. It has been full of many ups and downs. The most important thing is that I could live my dream because I gave 100 percent to this game at every step. I would like to continue this relationship, but now it is time to face reality."

Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021, while he played his last match in the IPL in 2022. He was then associated with the Chennai Super Kings and the Afghanistan team as a coach. He joined the Chennai team in the IPL in 2011. He won three titles with this franchise.

"DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development. His vast experience and in-depth knowledge along with his passion for winning will greatly benefit our franchise and players," Knight Riders Group CEO Venky Mysore said on Friday.

"We are also delighted that Bravo will be joining our other franchises globally, including the CPL, MLC, and ILT20," Mysore added.

Speaking on his role at KKR, Bravo said, “I have been a part of Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. I have played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues. I have great respect for the way they operate. The passion of the franchise owners, professional management, and family-like atmosphere make it special. This is the perfect platform for me as I move from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”

Apart from KKR, he will also be in charge of the Knight Riders franchise teams in the T20 league. Bravo had said before the current CPL season that this would be his last tournament. A back injury while fielding against St Lucia Kings in Tarouba earlier this week cut short his CPL career.

During his illustrious career, Bravo has played 582 T20 matches. He has taken 631 wickets and scored nearly 7,000 runs.

He said, "I want to say a big thank you to my fans for their unwavering love and support. Thank you to all my fans in the West Indies, around the world, and especially in Trinidad and Tobago for supporting me in every situation. I am looking forward to my next chapter. Thank you once again. See you soon with another responsibility."