The explosive Carlos Brathwaite, who shot into fame with those four consecutive sixes off England’s Ben Stokes in the final over of the 2016 T20 World Cup to guide West Indies to a famous win, is not sure of playing all the matches for Sunrisers but is ready to chip in whenever he gets a chance, even while trying to learn and develop as a cricketer and as an individual in the upcoming Indian Premier League.
In an exclusive interview with Sportstar at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Friday, the 29-year-old big-hitter from the Caribbeans says Sunrisers has a very successful management team with the likes of Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and Muttiah Muralitharan that ensures the players enjoy the best atmosphere both on and off the field.
“Obviously, since the core team is almost the same, I am looking forward to the guys who have been IPL champions and great performers. (I am) willing to pick up a few new things about the game itself,” he said.
On Sunrisers, the big West Indian says it is a very strong team on paper despite the massive loss of David Warner, who was not only a champion batsman but also a great captain too. “But, it is such a strong unit that his absence will be covered. It is a question of putting the quality available on paper right out there on the field,” he explained.
“I don't think I will probably play all the games because of the quota of overseas cricketers in the playing eleven. For any team, balance is the key. Maybe, I can come down as a seamer, not early in the innings for sure, who can take wickets which should be a bonus and come up with those big shots,” Brathwaite noted.
“Well, Sunrisers is known for closing out the innings and the current attack is virtually an Indian attack comprising Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma. Bowling in death overs has been its biggest strength,” he said.
'I remain grounded despite T20 WC final onslaught'
Reflecting on that stunning onslaught at Eden Gardens in T20 World Cup final, Brathwaite says that he has not changed too much from his own perspective. “Yes, it has changed a lot from the media and public point of view in terms of expectations, especially the following year after that famous win,” he said.
“I remain grounded, mentally more comfortable with the specific objective of being more consistent to be part of team’s winning cause,” he added.
“Yes, it is a great feeling to lead West Indies. We have the strongest T20 team in the world. There were a few injuries and pull-outs for personal reasons. But, again, the biggest challenge for me is to ensuring the next crop of players are ready for the big challenge to step into the shoes of the big names if they miss out for one reason or the other. We are planning accordingly,” he said.
Braithwaite predictably refused to talk on the recent ball tampering controversy. “I have no comment on that as I have not played Test cricket for long. And, it (controversy) is all so well-documented, it is best you leave it there and move on,” he said. He also refused to comment on the recent West Indies tour to Pakistan which he opted out for security reasons.
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