Dwayne Bravo, a two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner, feels the West Indies may surprise and win a third crown at this year’s event in June.
Bravo played a key role in the Caribbean nation’s only two Men’s T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, and the former star all-rounder believes the current West Indies squad can thrive despite a recent lack of form in the previous two editions of the 20-over tournament.
The West Indies won only one match at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Oman and the United Arab Emirates before failing to qualify for the Super 12s stage at the most recent tournament in Australia a year later.
But Bravo is encouraged by the West Indies’ recent record, having defeated South Africa, India, and England in T20I series over the previous year, and believes they can make a statement when they co-host this year’s event with the USA in June.
“I honestly think this West Indies team is a very good chance (of winning),” Bravo said in New York on Thursday as part of the celebrations to mark 100 days to go until the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“This current group of players is one of the better squads put together for a long time and I believe they have a very good chance.
“The people in the Caribbean will definitely go out in their numbers and support them and winning a trophy is very important.
“Speaking from experience, winning the World Cup on two occasions is one of the best feelings for my entire career so hopefully this group can do it.”
While West Indies legend Chris Gayle has two T20I centuries and is now the Caribbean side’s highest run-scorer in the format, top-order batsman Nicholas Pooran is not far behind and is anticipated to be critical to their prospects of winning a third T20 World Cup this year.
Pooran is ranked 16th in the Men’s T20I Batter Rankings, and Bravo feels the hard-hitting left-hander will be among the top run scorers at this year’s game.
“My current favourite player at the moment is Nicholas Pooran,” Bravo revealed.
“I believe he has the ability to score big runs and the form he is in and the experience he has gained over the years he is a player that can play spin well, play fast bowling well and is very used to the Caribbean conditions.”
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