Dwayne Bravo relishes the dichotomy of aggression on the field and affability off it. While he is barely audible initially, Bravo's more cheerful alter ego — typifying the frothy effervescence of the Caribbean — makes his presence felt over the course of the interview. His relaxed disposition is indicative of a smooth shift in allegiance from Mumbai Indians (for which he played for three years) to Chennai Super Kings.
“When I first heard of the news (being bought by CSK), I was keen to get feedback about the team. I heard a lot of positive stuff. It was clear to me the players enjoyed one another's success.
“Even during my Mumbai days, I used to look up to players like Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan), Matty (Hayden), and Stephen Fleming. MS (Dhoni) is a great leader and now, a great friend as well,” says the Trinidadian.
India-Windies similarity
The stylish all-rounder also traces a similarity between India and the West Indies with respect to a fanatical love for the game. “Cricket is a unifying sport in the Caribbean. It's the only sport in which West Indies is represented as a team. In India, cricket is a religion and there's so much passion involved.”
Bravo is happy that teams haven't attempted to tweak his natural game. “Wherever I have played, I was allowed to express myself. A lot of players here have a great regard for West Indian cricketers.”
Happy for Darren
His perpetual grin becomes broader when the topic of sibling rivalry is brought up. “Quite frankly, Darren (his younger brother) and I don't play much against each other. We catch up whenever possible (Dwayne has moved out while Darren lives with their parents). I am very happy with his start to international cricket. I wish him luck for the Champions League (Darren plays for Trinidad & Tobago).”
On the problems plaguing West Indian cricket, the 27-year-old feels the contract dispute between the players' association and the board may be resolved by next month. “The dispute has been going on for too long. It's disheartening. Hopefully the two parties can come together.”
He has taken in his stride the criticism of the team by former greats. “I guess everyone has his opinion. They had their time during which they did well. It takes time to rebuild a side and hopefully one day we can get back to our best.”
Bravo smiles when asked about his ambitions in Test cricket. “That's the ultimate for me. For some reason, I am not able to find myself in the team.” He also defends teammate Kieron Pollard whose desire to play for the country has often come under scrutiny. “He wants to play Tests but doesn't get an opportunity.”
On fitness
Quiz him on how he manages his fitness in humid subcontinental conditions and the reply is tongue-in-cheek. “There isn't a lot of night life here. So it isn't very difficult,” laughs Bravo, who has played 40 Tests and 117 ODIs.
Even as we are set to leave, Bravo shoots a trivia question: “Do you know about the new single that I have recorded?”
“It's called ‘Beenieman & Bravo'. Beenieman is a rock star in the Caribbean. Timeka Marshall also features in the song. Do check it out,” beams Bravo.
