‘Lil’ Bravo’s confidence boosted by award
Sean Nero
Published: Guardian
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Humbled! That’s how West Indies and T&T left-handed batsman and right-arm fast bowler Darren Michael Bravo has responded to the T&T Cricket (TTCB) decision to name him as its International Cricketer of the Year 2015.
The announcement was made at the national sporting organisation’s (NSO) 59th annual presentation of awards held at the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) in Couva, held on October 24.
In a T&T Guardian interview, he said, “Being voted as the TTCB International Cricketer of The Year was definitely a great feeling. I was a bit surprised because I wasn’t aware or notified by the TTCB that I was, but having said that I'm very humbled by this. And, having received this award, it will have a special place in my heart. I will also like to congratulate my other teammates who were in contention for this award as well. This was the second time I’ve won this award.
“When I look in the mirror I see a man. I’ve matured a lot over the past few years. I had my ups and downs, but I never gave up. Obviously on the field of play, I think it’s my responsibility to carry the batting of the West Indies and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Off the field, I just want to continue enjoying my life as much as possible. There are a few initiatives that I’m part of, so that keeps me busy off the field. So physically and mentally I’m in a good place so it’s just a matter of me moving from strength to strength.â€
Don’t abandon Red Force
Tackling the issue of T&T Red Force’s failing at regional tournaments, he said, personally it was “very important†for him to contribute significantly when available to play for the team.
“I believe as a team most of our best players are always away on international duties, so therefore that tends to hamper our chances of claiming the four-day title. But at the end of the day, even though you may not win the title, you are producing world class players like (Sunil) Narine (Kieron) Pollard or (Dwayne) Bravo and every team around the world is seeking your services. That in itself is a victory for us as a country.
“Having said that we need to work on our concentration a lot more and as batsmen we need to convert starts into bigger scores. I believe our bowling over the past few years was very good, so if our batting come to the party then I believe we have a very good chance,†he said.
Is young T&T, WI cricketers mentally weak?
While he declined comment on the Caribbean sporting community’s perceived bias in the repeated non-selection of top T&T cricketers Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard for duty by the WICB’s panel of selectors, Bravo was, however, armed with a response when it came to debunking criticisms leveled against young T&T and West Indies players.
Some administrators have deemed them as mentally weak despite their innate talent, a development which was believed to be affecting their level of consistency on the pitch.
For athletes to improve their game, he said, administrators of the sport needed to put the right ingredients in place. Bravo believed once that was done, the level of the cricketers and cricket would improve.
“I believe in the Caribbean, we have some of the most talented cricketers in the world, but it takes a lot more than that to be successful at the international level. Hard work and dedication are very important. So as a player you have to go the extra the mile, if you really want to achieve your goals. But there must be a proper relationship with both parties. It will certainly help,†he said.
On being a role model
He had no qualms that while carving out a successful professional career, so far, he was able to achieve role model status. Bravo believed it was very important that he portrayed a very positive attitude both on and off the field whatever the situation. In his estimation, a good role model made the children whom believed in them knows they could do anything, if they simply put their minds to it. And as fate would have it that was a characteristic he tried to instill in the minds of youths with whom he came into contact.
Expressing his views on the state of sports in T&T, he said, “I believe that there’s more than enough talent in every sporting discipline in T&T. What we do with the talent is very critical.
If we can be there for our sportsmen and women every step of the way, we can bring a lot more joy and happiness to our beloved country. Improving the facilities to top class standard is something we need to get right. So therefore, whenever we go into events or tournaments we won’t be a step behind other countries. So if we get those simple things right, everything else will fall into place.â€
Contrary to public opinion Bravo made it clear he was not struggling to get out of the shadows of former WI cricketer Brian Lara and his brother (Dwayne), since no shadows existed.
In fact, the younger Bravo cherished the fact both were very close to him and were always available to share advice and lend support, and for that he was eternally grateful.
Fielding questions about starting a family and the possibility of directing his children to follow in his sporting footsteps, Bravo said based on his personality, when that time came, he would allow his offsprings to choose, and would support them unconditionally.
“Cricket is not an easy sport so therefore, I won't ever want to put pressure on them to do something that they don’t want to do. But I have time on my hands. So we will see how that goes,†he said laughing.
