- The UAE fast bowler reveals how West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo’s mentorship during his Abu Dhabi Knight Riders stint played a defining role in his cricketing journey.
- The UAE pacer looks back on a whirlwind 12 months that saw him shine in the DP World ILT20 and make his international debut for the UAE.
- Season 5 of the six-team, 34-match DP World ILT20 will be played in November-December 2026.
Photo by CREIMAS / ILT20
Dubai, 9 July 2026: It has been a remarkable 12 months for UAE fast bowler Ajay Kumar (4 ODIs, 1 T20I). After making an immediate impact in his maiden DP World ILT20 campaign with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and going on to make his UAE debut against Nepal in April this year, the left-arm pacer credited West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo’s (ADKR Head Coach) guidance for helping shape his rapid rise to the international stage.
Reflecting on his journey, Ajay said Bravo’s mentorship during the DP World ILT20 had been instrumental in his development, both on and off the field.
“DJ has had a huge influence on my career. He’s someone who has always encouraged me to trust my strengths and back myself, even in difficult situations. The confidence he gave me and the conversations we had during the DP World ILT20 really helped me during the competition and when I made the step up to international cricket.”
The 29-year-old also revealed the story behind one of his most memorable on-field celebrations, saying it was inspired by the star all-rounder.
“Before one of our games, I asked him if I could do his wicket celebration. It was my way of recognising all the work he has put into my bowling and thanking him for everything he has done for me. He smiled and told me to go for it, and ever since then, it’s a tribute to him.”
The mentorship unfolded during DP World ILT20 Season 4, where Ajay enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, finishing as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 12 matches. He narrowly missed out on the White Belt (Best Bowler of the Tournament) to Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil, who also finished with 18 wickets.
Representing the UAE soon followed, with Ajay making his ODI debut against Nepal in April this year. He impressed with figures of 3/34 and 2/47 against Nepal and registered a stellar 6/35 against Oman to announce his arrival on the international stage.
“Representing the UAE was always the ultimate dream for me, so making my debut was a very special moment. After everything that went into my journey, wearing the UAE jersey made all the hard work worthwhile.”
Ajay’s path to international cricket began with a move to the UAE in search of greater opportunities to fulfil his potential. He credits his coaches in India, Shahrukh Pathan and Pradyot Singh, with supporting the move that set him on this path to international cricket.
“I wasn’t getting enough opportunities to play top-level cricket. That’s when my mentors decided we should move to the UAE, where I could finally make the most of my talent. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my career because it opened doors that I had only dreamt about before.”
The 29-year-old also highlighted the privilege of sharing a dressing room with some of the biggest names in world cricket during the DP World ILT20.
“Sharing a dressing room with players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, and learning from a legend like Dwayne Bravo, is something every young cricketer looks forward to. Watching how they prepare, train, and handle pressure taught me as much as anything that happened during a match. Being around players of that calibre pushes you to raise your own standards every day. That’s the approach I took when I played for the UAE, and it really paid off.”
– ENDS –