‘Remember the name!’ – Ian Bishop had blared after Carlos Brathwaite hit four sixes in the last over of the 2016 World T20 final to take West Indies to one of the most sensational victories ever. According to recent reports emerging from the Caribbean, it is the same 28-year-old who will take over as captain of the national team in the shorter formats from outgoing skipper Darren Sammy.
Brathwaite has played 14 ODIs and 8 T20s so far. If he is indeed made captain, he shall be among a very exclusive list of players who were thrust into the captain’s role very early on in their careers. Graeme Smith was asked to lead South Africa within one year of his debut. Even West Indies’ Test captain Jason Holder was made captain just after having played 8 Tests, indicating that experience is not considered the biggest parameter when choosing leaders in the Caribbean.
After Darren Sammy announced that he had been sacked as West Indies captain, there has been intense speculation as to who will be the new leader of the two-time T20 world champions. Incidentally, being captain of a World T20 winning side twice is an honour Sammy can happily walk into the sunset with.
Caribbean media outlets have been reporting that Brathwaite is to be Sammy’s successor. According to Trinidad Guardian, Brathwaite’s name has been recommended by the West Indies senior selection panel for the top job and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is more than likely to approve the choice of Brathwaite.
Players themselves are often in the know of the communications that decide such matters, and so another sign that this is about to come to pass can be seen from a tweet by former West Indies cricketer Tino Best, where he wishes Brathwaite the best and lauds Sammy for his time as leader.
Brathwaite’s maiden stint as captain, not a familiar role for him in any level or format of cricket, is likely to be as MS Dhoni’s opposite number, as India and West Indies meet for two T20Is in USA at the end of August.
Can Carlos Brathwaite carve out an even more memorable place for him in West Indies history than he already has? Or is his name destined to not be remembered after all?
Are West Indies cricket authorities picking such players as captains who are more likely to toe the line? Both Holder and Brathwaite are considered to be selfless team players, unlike some previous leaders, whose egos have often clashed with the authorities in the past.
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