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 energetic cricketers to emerge from the West Indies. Known for his powerful hitting, smart bowling, and spectacular fielding, Bravo has made an indelible impression on cricket across forms. From his international heroics to his T20 franchise supremacy, Bravo’s career has been packed with great events.
In this column, we’ll explore: - His cricketing journey and teams
- The amount of players in his teams
- **5 most startling and unforgettable moments** from his career
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## **Dwayne Bravo’s Cricket Journey & Teams**
**Career Opportunities Abroad (West Indies)**
Bravo made his international debut in 2004 and rapidly became an important all-rounder for the West Indies. He played:
- **40 Tests** (110 wickets, 2,200+ runs)
- **164 ODIs** (199 wickets, 2,968 runs)
- **91 T20Is** (78 wickets, 1,255 runs)
He was part of the **2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup-winning** West Indies sides, contributing with both bat and ball.
### **Indian Premier League (IPL) - Chennai Super Kings (CSK) & More ** Bravo is an IPL legend, notably with **Chennai Super Kings (CSK)**. He also played for:
- **Mumbai Indians (2008-2010)** - **Chennai Super Kings (2011-2015, 2018-2021)** - **Gujarat Lions (2016-2017)** - **Delhi Capitals (2022)**
He won **3 IPL titles (2011, 2018, 2021)** with CSK and was the **leading wicket-taker in 2013 (32 wickets) and 2015 (26 wickets)**.
### **Other T20 Leagues**
Bravo has been a globetrotting T20 standout, playing in: - **Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – Trinbago Knight Riders** - **Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Quetta Gladiators** - **Big Bash League (BBL) – Melbourne Renegades** - **Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) – Fortune Barishal**
### **How Many Players Are in His Teams?** - **International (West Indies)**: 11 players per match - **IPL (CSK & Others)**: 11 players per match, squad of 25 - **CPL (TKR)**: 11 players per match, squad of 15-18
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## **5 Most Shocking & Memorable Moments of Dwayne Bravo’s Career**
### **1. The 2016 T20 World Cup Final - West Indies’ Unbelievable Chase** **Date:** April 3, 2016 **Opponent:** England
In one of the most dramatic T20 finals ever, West Indies needed **19 runs off the last over** with Bravo at the crease. However, it was **Carlos Brathwaite who stole the show** with four straight sixes.
**Why Shocking?** - Bravo (25 off 27 balls) had battled, but his presence kept the pursuit alive.
- Many anticipated Bravo to end the game, but Brathwaite’s attack astonished the globe.
**Impact:** This triumph gave West Indies the first team to win **two T20 World Cups (2012 & 2016)**.
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### **2. The IPL 2018 Final - Bravo’s Heroics Against Sunrisers Hyderabad ** **Date:** May 27, 2018 **Team:** Chennai Super Kings
Chasing **179**, CSK was in trouble at **82/6** when Bravo came in. He slammed a **crucial 68 off 30 balls**, including **7 sixes**, to pull CSK close.
**Why Shocking?** - No one expected such a return from a near-lost position.
- Bravo’s innings was **one of the best IPL knocks in a final**.
**Result:** CSK won by **8 wickets** (Shane Watson ended the job), marking their **3rd IPL title**.
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### **3. The Infamous 2014 IPL Fight with Kieron Pollard** **Date:** May 5, 2014 **Match:** Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings
During an IPL encounter, Bravo delivered a **bouncer to Pollard**, who retaliated with aggressive swings. The tension grew, culminating to **Pollard tossing his bat** (it slid) and **Bravo ridiculing him**.
**Why Shocking?** - Two West Indies teammates in a furious on-field confrontation.
- Pollard was **fined 75% of his match fee** for the incident.
**Aftermath:** Despite the dispute, Bravo and Pollard eventually played together for West Indies.
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### **4. The 2006 Champions Trophy – Bravo’s Hat-Trick Against Australia** **Date:** October 18, 2006 ** Venue:** Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
In a must-win game, Bravo took a **hat-trick** against Australia, dismissing **Brad Haddin, Michael Hussey, and Brett Lee**.
**Why Shocking?** - Australia was a dominant force, and Bravo decimated their middle order.
- This was **only the second ODI hat-trick by a West Indian**.
**Result:** West Indies won by **10 runs**, although Australia still advanced.
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### **5. The 2015 IPL – “Champion” Celebration & Viral Dance** **Date:** Throughout IPL 2015 **Team:** Chennai Super Kings
Bravo invented his **"Champion" dance celebration** after taking wickets, inspired by his song **"Champion"** (which became an anthem).
**Why Shocking?** - It was the **first time a cricketer had his own celebratory song**.
- The dance became **viral**, with fans and players replicating it.
**Legacy:** The celebration became **synonymous with Bravo’s T20 persona**.
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## **Conclusion** Dwayne Bravo’s career has been a rollercoaster of **drama, genius, and entertainment**. From World Cup victories to IPL exploits, his effect on cricket is unquestionable. Whether it’s his **death-bowling expertise, explosive hitting, or legendary celebrations**, Bravo remains a **true T20 legend**.
Which Bravo moment is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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