Dwayne Bravo: The Caribbean Cricket Maestro – Teams, Career, and 5 Most Shocking Moments
**Let's Begin**
Dwayne Bravo is one of the most flamboyant and gifted all-rounders in cricket history. Known for his rapid hitting, smart bowling, thrilling fielding, and contagious celebrations, Bravo has made an everlasting impression on the game. From his international achievements with the West Indies to his supremacy in T20 leagues globally, Bravo’s career is replete with remarkable events.
This blog article will delve into:
- **Dwayne Bravo’s cricket career and teams ** - **How many players are on his teams? ** - **5 most memorable and surprising moments of his career**
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## **Dwayne Bravo’s Cricket Career & Teams**
### **International Career (West Indies)**
Bravo made his international debut in 2004 and rapidly became a prominent performer for the West Indies in all forms. He played: - **40 Test matches** (2004–2010)
- **164 ODIs** (2004–2014)
- **91 T20Is** (2006–2021)
He was part of the West Indies squad that won the **2012 T20 World Cup** and **2016 T20 World Cup**, playing vital roles in both tournaments.
### **Indian Premier League (IPL) & Other T20 Leagues**
Bravo is one of the most successful T20 players ever, having played in competitions throughout the world:
- **Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (2011–2021, 2023) ** – One of their most valuable players, helping them win several titles.
- **Mumbai Indians (2008–2010)** – Early IPL stint before becoming a CSK legend.
- **Gujarat Lions (2016–2017)** – Played during CSK’s ban.
- **Other Leagues**: Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and more.
### **How Many Players Are on His Teams? ** - **West Indies Squad**: Usually **15 players** in limited-overs, **11 on the field**. - **IPL Teams**: **25-player squads**, with **11 playing per match**. - **CPL/PSL/BBL**: Similar to IPL, about **15-18 players per squad**.
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of Dwayne Bravo’s Career**
### **1. Winning the 2012 T20 World Cup - The Ultimate Triumph** **Details**:
- The West Indies were underdogs entering into the **2012 T20 World Cup** in Sri Lanka.
- In the final versus **Sri Lanka**, Bravo played a significant role with both bat and ball.
- He scored **19* off 21 balls** in a tough chase and took **1/24** with his medium-pace variations.
- **Marlon Samuels’ heroics (78 off 56) and Bravo’s cool finish** sealed the championship.
**Why Shocking?**
- Few anticipated West Indies to win, considering their problems in recent years.
- Bravo’s calmness under pressure was a turning point.
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### **2. The Infamous 2016 T20 World Cup Final - Carlos Brathwaite’s 4 Sixes ** **Details**:
- Bravo was part of the **2016 T20 World Cup-winning squad** but had a painful final.
- In the penultimate over, **West Indies needed 19 runs** to win against England.
- **Ben Stokes bowled, and Carlos Brathwaite smashed 4 straight sixes** to secure the victory.
- Bravo, who had previously scored **25 off 27**, was in astonishment like the rest of the world.
**Why Shocking?** - One of the most dramatic endings in cricket history. - Bravo’s reaction (hands on head in disbelief) became a popular meme.
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### **3. Bravo’s Hat-Trick Against Mumbai Indians (IPL 2022) ** **Details**:
- Playing for **CSK vs MI in IPL 2022**, Bravo took a sensational **hat-trick**.
- He dismissed **Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Daniel Sams** in three successive balls.
- Finished with **3/25**, indicating he was still a T20 master at **38 years old**.
**Why Memorable?** - One of the oldest players to take an IPL hat-trick. - Showed his ability to outthink even the best T20 batsmen.
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### **4. His Controversial Retirement & Comeback for West Indies** **Details**:
- Bravo **retired from international cricket in 2018** amid conflicts with the West Indies Cricket Board.
- However, he made a **shocking comeback in 2019** during the T20 World Cup qualifiers.
- Played a couple more games before ultimately retiring in **2021**.
**Why Shocking?**
- Rare for a player to retire and return many times.
- Highlighted the volatile connection between WI players and their board.
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### **5. The “Champion” Dance & Viral Celebrations** **Details**:
- Bravo is famed for his **"Champion" dance**, inspired by his song with DJ Bravo.
- After getting wickets, he regularly breaks into dancing, even in high-pressure situations.
- His celebrations have gone viral, making him a **fan favorite worldwide**.
**Why Memorable?** - One of the few cricketers having a **music career** alongside sports. - His personality introduced entertainment to cricket, making him a global star.
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## **Conclusion**
Dwayne Bravo is more than just a cricketer—he’s an entertainer, a match-winner, and a T20 superstar. From World Cup heroics to IPL supremacy and viral moments, his career has been remarkable. Whether it’s his clutch performances, startling comebacks, or legendary celebrations, Bravo has sealed his status as one of the finest all-rounders in contemporary cricket.