Global Canada T20: Dwayne Bravo’s ‘champion’ tag on jersey back irks ex-NZ cricketer Simon Doull

Modern cricket never falls short of surprising us. Be it in terms of skills or even attire, there is always some element of thrill and surprise in everything that cricketers do today. And on a number of times, old-timers are seen unimpressed with the innovative things that modern players showcase. Former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar was upset to see Dinesh Karthik sporting his initials ‘DK’ on the back of his national jersey and Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman wearing his national cap backside while bowling during last year’s Asia Cup.

A similar incident was witnessed during a game at 2019 Global T20 Canada in Brampton on Monday. Winnipeg Hawks’ player Dwayne Bravo — a doyen in the T20 cricket — was seen donning the name ‘Champion’ behind his No.47 jersey and former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull was irked with it. He conceded that he might sound ‘a bit pedantic’ but he didn’t like the idea.

“I do not like… put your real name!” Doull, 49, was quoted as saying by Reddit.com. West Indian Bravo is nicknamed ‘Champion’ but the idea did not appeal to Doull who though is not as old as Gavaskar. The former Kiwi player is doing commentary for the tournament.

Bravo takes 4 for 39 as Winnipeg beat Toronto

The 35-year-old Bravo, who quit international cricket last year although he played last for the West Indies in 2016, continues to be a force in the T20s. He has played 450 games so far in the format, scoring over 6.2k runs and taking 490 wickets.

He played a key role in Monday’s match against the Toronto Nationals by taking 4 wickets for 39 runs to help his side win by three wickets. Rayad Emrit’s side started in the tournament with a loss but win two back-to-back games thereafter to place themselves at No.2 in the points table at the moment.

Bravo, a cricketer who enjoys his game to the hilt every time he takes the ground, was also seen poking fun at Kieron Pollard, a fellow West Indian who was playing for Toronto and blasted 52 in just 21 balls. It happened in the final ball of the innings when Pollard tried to play a big shot off Bravo but was caught brilliantly by Emrit. An elated Bravo then turned towards the departing batsman and showed his trademark dance to tease him.