Easier to win IPL, harder to defend it: Dwayne Bravo | Cricket News

MUMBAI: Though he bid adieu to international cricket last year, Dwayne Bravo, at 38, is showing no signs of slowing down as he heads into another season with the Chennai Super Kings.
Excerpts from an interview…
Ravindra Jadeja is the new CSK captain. Your first reaction…
I’m very happy for Jaddu. He’s at the peak of his career. We’re all very happy for him. He deserves it. He’s a bright choice to take over from MS (Dhoni). We’re going to support him 100%. We’re going to make sure that he will be a successful leader.

Could you describe your relationship with Dhoni?
It’s a very solid one. It’s a bond that we developed over the years and every year it keeps getting stronger. He’s someone that I can say had a big impact on my career as a player, as a captain and a person. I am lucky enough to represent CSK, which is one of the most successful franchises in T20 history.
To play for this team for so long and have my own personal success, but also to have the trust of one of the greatest leaders to ever play the game… he always tried to make sure that I’m a part of this team.

What makes you so successful and long-lasting in this format?
I think it’s my passion for the game and the pride that I have in my performance. Every year I’m still looking to reinvent and add different skills to my game. The key is keeping myself fit.
Can CSK defend its title?
Well, we always try to put everything in a match. Whenever we win the trophy, we try to defend it. The IPL is the toughest T20 tournament in the world, and it’s always a challenge to defend our title. It’s easier to win it but harder to defend it. I think we have the right squad. We have a good balance again. We have good experienced and young players in the mix. So, we’ll do everything to defend the title.

Do some players prioritize IPL over international cricket?
That can never be true, because the IPL has a window of its own. There’s no way players will skip international duty for it. Only a few countries play cricket when the IPL is on.
Among the newer crop of bowlers, whose slower ball has impressed you the most?
Harshal Patel definitely. You saw the impact he had in the last IPL for RCB. The success he had with his slower ball… he’s a very dangerous bowler at the backend.