“He just allowed me to be me” - Dwayne Bravo on his “brother from a different mother” MS Dhoni during his CSK stint

Dwayne Bravo, a former all-rounder for the West Indies, has discussed his tight friendship with MS Dhoni and the clarity and trust that characterized their time together at the Chennai Super Kings. 

The former West Indies all-rounder referred to Dhoni as a "brother from another mother," emphasizing how the former India captain's guidance enabled players to concentrate on their strong points during CSK's most prosperous IPL seasons.

Speaking about his time working with Dhoni, Bravo described how the former India captain's approach to leadership was notable for its ease of use and faith in players. 

Bravo recounted his experiences on the "Beard Before Wicket" podcast, emphasizing how Dhoni constantly encouraged him to concentrate on his strengths rather than expecting him to perform more than his role required.

“One time he stopped me from diving in the field and said my four overs were more important than saving four runs. After that, I started fielding in the circle. That is the kind of thing he does. He knows what you are good at and wants you for that reason. He does not want you to try to be anybody else,” Bravo recalled about Dhoni on the "Beard Before Wicket" podcast.

Bravo went on to describe a moment early in a match when Dhoni’s trust in him became clear.

“In my first over, he asked me about my field. I told him what I wanted, and after that moment, he never told me anything about field placement again. I felt he trusted me completely. From there on, we called each other brother from a different mother. He just allowed me to be me,” he added.

The former CSK all-rounder also commended Dhoni and longtime head coach Stephen Fleming for fostering an atmosphere where players can express themselves without worrying about criticism.

“They are not judgmental. Their moods do not change whether you perform or not. They are very consistent with how they treat players. That is the uniqueness of that franchise,” Bravo said.

Bravo played for CSK for two periods, from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2022. Under Dhoni's leadership, the team won four IPL titles in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2022. He was the bowling coach for the Super Kings during the 2023 IPL season, hence his affiliation with the franchise went beyond his playing career.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!