Dwayne Bravo is an entertainer, both on and off the field. The Caribbean all-rounder has been one of the most sought-after players in the Indian Premier League for his match-winning calibre and his vivid presence.
The ex- Chennai Super Kings star has made and broken a number of records in the tournament. He became the first bowler to cross 300 wickets in T20s in Gujarat Lion’s match against Kings XI Punjab this season. Also, he is the only player to win the purple cap in two different editions of the tournament.
In the eighth edition of the league, he had clinched the most number of wickets in the last five overs, making him a death-bowling specialist.
Known for his celebrations after taking a wicket and his music-video appearances, Bravo has never ceased to grab the attention of cricket lovers across the globe. The ex- Windies captain was also a constant pick in the Chennai Super Kings squad, before he was bought by the new Gujarat Lions franchise this year.
Here are a few memorable moments of the "champion" in the tournament.
Bravo's blinder leaves the crowd stunned:
With his sharp reflexes, Dwayne bravo pulled off a one-handed blinder to dismiss Shane Watson while playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the eighth edition of the IPL in 2015. During the 10th over of the second innings, Watson played a loft off a Ravindra Jadeja delivery, aiming to hit a boundary.
But Bravo had other ideas as he leapt off his feet to catch the ball near the boundary with one hand, and then broke into his usual dance, and set the stadium roaring with cheers. CSK also went on to win the match, defeating the Royals by 12 runs.
This is one of the many times when Bravo has given such an implausible effort while fielding. He took another stunner diving forward in the match versus Royal Challengers Bangalore in the same season, sending the batsman Dinesh Karthik back to the dugout.
Bravo wins it single-handedly for Mumbai Indians:
Bravo had a three year stint with Mumbai Indians before he was bought by CSK in 2011. In the 2009 edition of the IPL, Bravo made a blistering 70 off 59 balls against Kings XI Punjab, completing his half-century in 36 balls.
He also punished KXIP's bowler Sreesanth for 21 runs in an over, smashing four consecutive boundaries. His innings, laced with seven fours and three sixes helped Mumbai seal a comfortable eight- wicket win at Centurion.
An unbelievable last- ball six:
CSK has always been famous for its nail-biting last-ball finishes. With finishers like MS Dhoni, Albie Morkel and Bravo in the team, they have pulled off a win with a six on the last ball of the innings on many occasions.
In the 2012 edition of the IPL, when CSK needed five runs to win from one ball against Kolkata Knight Riders, Bravo helped his team cross the line. The West Indian smashed a full-toss by Rajat Bhatia in the last over for a massive six, leaving a frown on KKR captain Gautam Gambhir's face.
It was not just a historic victory, but also kept CSK's hopes alive in that season.
A knock in vain:
After CSK top order failed to deliver in the first innings in a match versus RR at Ahmedabad, Bravo at number five revived the match with his knock of 62 off 36 balls. The 15th match of the eighth season of the league saw a standing 91-run fifth wicket partnership between Bravo and Dhoni, who posted a total of 156 to defend.
However, his knock went in vain, with RR's openers Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane taking RR to an eight wicket victory.
When Bravo roared for Gujarat Lions:
In the most recent Gujarat Lions versus KXIP match, Bravo set the stage on fire with his four- wicket haul. The Lions opened their account in the IPL with a victory by restricting KXIP for 161. He destructed the middle- order by clinching wickets of David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, Wriddhiman Saha and Marcus Stoinis.
He also had the lowest economy of 5.50 in the match, giving away just 22 runs in the four overs he bowled. He hit the 300 wicket mark in T20s by dismissing David Miller with his slow yorker, and crossed Lasith Malinga's record of 299.
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