Bravo’s insight and local intelligence: KKR depend on Chepauk familiarity

Venkatesh Iyer, the vice captain of the KKR, acknowledged that the team’s “local” understanding of Chepauk conditions will be helpful in their crucial matchup with the Chennai Super Kings. The reigning champions, who have had a lacklustre start to the 2025 Indian Premier League, are looking to upset a nervous CSK team that has lost their last four games.

With players in their group who are familiar with the local conditions, KKR now has the chance to increase the pressure.

While Moeen Ali and captain Ajinkya Rahane have recently played for CSK, lead spinner Varun Chakaravarthy plays domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu. In addition, coach Dwayne Bravo has a legendary career with the team, having participated in 39 games for the men in yellow in Chepauk alone.

Before the match, Venkatesh declared, “I think Varun is a world-class spinner now, regardless of the circumstances.” “When it counts most, he delivers. However, it will be crucial for him to play on his home pitch. Considering that Moeen Ali and Ajinkya both played here for two years, it will also play a significant role. Therefore, in terms of how this pitch will play, I believe we have a decent think tank as well.”

Speaking about Bravo’s influence at KKR, Venkatesh showered the veteran with accolades, emphasising that experience is invaluable. The 30-year-old said, “To be honest, to play under Bravo is very exciting.” He has participated in more than 600 professional T20 matches. As I have stated numerous times, experience is the most valuable factor because T20 cricket is an experience-based sport.

“You have witnessed more circumstances the more experience you have. He therefore has a response for any circumstance since he has experienced them firsthand. He has also been at CSK for a long period. He knows what strategies to employ and how to bat and bowl on this pitch.

“Aside from that, I believe a major contributing aspect is that it takes time for someone to adjust to a new setup. However, DJ didn’t require that time. Everyone on our crew embraced him. We made use of his expertise. We agreed that it would help the team. I am delighted to play with him, and I believe that he has become family.

Venkatesh was questioned about if his team will feel more “at home” at Chepauk considering that KKR has made it clear that they prefer slow surfaces at Eden Gardens. The batting all-rounder, however, was eager to highlight the influence his team’s fast bowlers had at this location during the KKR victory in the previous year’s final.

He remarked, “Wherever CSK play, it’s home for them,” However, it seems to me that we never view it that way. We never consider what is best for us or what is not. We get ready for favourable cricket conditions, you know, and that’s what professional sports are all about. You show up at every event and are adaptable with regard to both your own and the team’s abilities. Additionally, I recall playing in a final here last season where our fast bowlers claimed the most of the wickets.

Therefore, it is equally favourable for spinners and quick bowlers. Additionally, you can bat and score runs here if you put in the effort. Furthermore, if a team wants to win, it must realise that, in every situation, having a winning combination is essential.

Regarding Chepauk, however, we are aware that the ball may spin and have some grip. It will help our spinners, who are, in my opinion, of the highest calibre. However, we are not going into this game with the belief that we would prefer this pitch or these particular circumstances. I believe we are choosing a comfort zone for ourselves if we do that. Additionally, champion teams don’t do that.

In the meantime, one of the main topics of discussion surrounding KKR in recent years has been Andre Russell’s batting position. The most recent instance of the West Indian all-rounder’s entry point being delayed was the high-scoring match against LSG, which KKR lost by a slim margin of four runs. Venkatesh, however, was quick to note that KKR now has players like Ramandeep Singh and Rinku Singh in their ranks to finish games.

Venkatesh noted, “When it comes to T20, the entry point of batters is everything.” “After determining whether a particular pitch will work for a particular player, you determine whether to offer him a few overs or an early entry point.

“But in a club like KKR, where we have the firepower to end games on a high note or where the batting order is known to score big, I don’t think there is much chatter heading in. People [outside] would undoubtedly be discussing when he should and shouldn’t come. However, we must not overlook Rinku Singh as well. Additionally, we have Ramandeep Singh. Indeed, Dre has a long history of doing this. However, we also have capable competition for him.