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Carlos Brathwaite is a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, especially those who have witnessed his explosive performances on the field. An all-rounder by profession, Brathwaite has showcased his prowess both with the bat and the ball, making significant contributions to the West Indies cricket team. His journey from a budding cricketer to an international sensation is nothing short of inspirational, marked by sheer determination, hard work, and an undying passion for the sport.
Carlos Ricardo Brathwaite was born on July 18, 1988, in Barbados. From a young age, his affinity for cricket was evident. His journey in the professional realm began with a bang when he announced himself with a haul of 7 for 90 on his first-class debut against Trinidad & Tobago. This remarkable performance was not a one-off event. He continued to impress in the subsequent season, amassing 26 wickets in just eight games.
Such consistent performances did not go unnoticed. Brathwaite's efforts earned him early recognition, leading to his selection for the Bangladesh tour in 2011. This tour marked his debut in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). However, after this initial taste of international cricket, Brathwaite had to wait for more than three years for his next big opportunity.
His comeback to the limited-overs format came during the tour of South Africa in January 2015. But it was the tour of Australia in December 2015 that marked his Test debut. Despite the West Indies team facing challenges, Brathwaite stood out. In the Boxing Day game in Melbourne, he showcased his batting skills by scoring a commendable 59 on debut, batting at No. 8. His performance in the rain-affected Sydney Test was equally noteworthy, where he played a lively knock of 69 off just 71 balls.
Brathwaite's rise in international cricket was further solidified during the 2016 IPL player auction. He attracted a surprising bid from Delhi Daredevils, which was 14 times his base price. A few months later, in a nail-biting T20 World Cup final against England, with West Indies requiring 19 runs off the last over, Brathwaite displayed his mettle. He hit four consecutive sixes, ensuring a dramatic victory for his team and etching his name into the annals of cricketing history.
This moment was a testament to Brathwaite's ability to handle pressure and his knack for turning the game around when it mattered the most. His journey from Barbados to becoming a global cricketing sensation serves as an inspiration for many budding cricketers worldwide.
Carlos Brathwaite's ascent to international prominence is a tale of grit, determination, and sheer talent. While his early days in cricket were marked by consistent performances, it was his exploits on the global stage that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Brathwaite's T20I debut for the West Indies came in October 2011, followed closely by his One Day International debut just seven days later. However, it was in December 2015 that he truly announced himself on the world stage. Making his Test debut against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, he showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 59.
But the moment that truly etched Brathwaite's name in cricketing folklore came during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 final against England. With the West Indies needing 19 runs to win in the final over, Brathwaite displayed unparalleled audacity and skill. He struck four consecutive sixes in the first four balls of the over, leading the West Indies to a dramatic victory and their second World Twenty20 title. This feat was not only a testament to his incredible talent but also his ability to remain calm under pressure. It was this innings of 34 not-out off just 10 balls that solidified his status as a cricketing superstar.
Brathwaite's cricketing journey is adorned with numerous accolades and impressive statistics. In the Test arena, he has scored 181 runs in 3 matches, boasting an average of 45.25 with a top score of 69. In ODIs, he has accumulated 559 runs in 44 matches with a batting average of 16.44, including a memorable century. His top score in this format is 101. As a bowler, Brathwaite has claimed 43 wickets in ODIs with an average of 41.06, including two five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures in this format are an impressive 5/27.
In T20Is, Brathwaite has scored 310 runs in 41 matches with a batting average of 14.76. With the ball, he has taken 31 wickets at an average of 32.67, with best figures of 3/20. His first-class records are equally commendable, with 1,522 runs scored in 39 matches at an average of 27.67, including one century and nine half-centuries. As a bowler in first-class cricket, he has taken 88 wickets with an average of 23.84, with best figures of 7/90.
Leadership qualities in Brathwaite were evident early on, and it was no surprise when he was handed the captaincy reins. In August 2016, Brathwaite was named the captain of the West Indies T20I team, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and dedication. Under his leadership, the team showcased a blend of youth and experience, with Brathwaite often leading from the front.
One of his notable achievements as captain came in March 2018 during the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier match against Papua New Guinea. In this match, Brathwaite showcased his all-round abilities by taking his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. His leadership qualities were further highlighted when he was named in the West Indies' squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. In a match against New Zealand during this tournament, Brathwaite displayed his batting prowess by scoring his first century in ODIs, narrowly missing out on what could have been a match-winning six.
Brathwaite's leadership extended beyond the international arena. He was named captain of various domestic and T20 franchise teams, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire teams across different formats and competitions.
Carlos Brathwaite's cricketing journey is replete with moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here are some of the most memorable moments in his illustrious career:
The Four Consecutive Sixes: Without a doubt, the pinnacle of Brathwaite's career came during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 final against England. With 19 runs required off the last over, the odds were heavily stacked against the West Indies. However, Brathwaite rose to the occasion, smashing four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to seal a dramatic victory for his team. This feat not only won the West Indies their second T20 World Cup but also cemented Brathwaite's place in cricketing folklore.
Test Debut Down Under: Making a Test debut is a dream for any cricketer, and doing so at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is even more special. Brathwaite's debut against Australia in December 2015 was marked by a gritty 59, showcasing his ability to adapt to the longer format of the game.
First ODI Century: During the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Brathwaite showcased his batting prowess against New Zealand. He scored a magnificent 101, almost leading the West Indies to a memorable victory. Though the team fell short by a whisker, Brathwaite's innings was lauded for its sheer brilliance and determination.
Five-Wicket Haul in ODIs: As an all-rounder, Brathwaite has often contributed with the ball. One of his standout bowling performances came against Papua New Guinea during the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier when he took his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.
IPL Debut: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a platform where the world's best compete. Brathwaite's debut in this prestigious league in 2016 for the Delhi Daredevils was a testament to his growing stature in international cricket. His performances in the league further enhanced his reputation as a reliable all-rounder.
Carlos Brathwaite's journey in the world of cricket is a testament to what talent, combined with hard work and determination, can achieve. From his early days in Barbados to his heroics on the international stage, Brathwaite has showcased his prowess as an all-rounder, winning accolades and fans worldwide. His ability to rise to the occasion, be it with the bat or the ball, makes him one of the most celebrated cricketers in the modern era. As he continues to contribute to the sport, his legacy as a West Indies cricket icon is firmly established, inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
FAQs
When did Carlos Brathwaite make his international debut?
Brathwaite made his T20I debut for the West Indies on 11 October 2011 and his ODI debut on 18 October 2011.
What is Carlos Brathwaite's most memorable innings?
Brathwaite's most memorable innings was during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 final against England, where he hit four consecutive sixes in the last over to win the match.
Has Carlos Brathwaite ever captained the West Indies cricket team?
Yes, Carlos Brathwaite was named the captain of the West Indies T20I team in August 2016.
Which teams has Carlos Brathwaite represented in the IPL?
Brathwaite has played for Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
What is Carlos Brathwaite's highest score in ODIs?
Carlos Brathwaite's highest score in ODIs is 101, which he achieved against New Zealand during the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
