Rewriting the Script: Carlos Brathwaite Moves Beyond the Iconic Kolkata Moment
As the T20 World Cup reaches its climactic stages in the Caribbean, the mind inevitably drifts back to 2016 and Carlos Brathwaite’s heroics at the Eden Gardens. The 27-year-old all-rounder’s four consecutive sixes in the final over, decimating Ben Stokes and England’s hopes, has become etched in cricketing lore. However, the man himself is reluctant to solely dwell on that iconic night.
“The thing is, I went through a bit of a rough patch around 2018,” Brathwaite reveals. “I fell out of love with the game.”
Despite the life-changing success, the aftermath proved challenging for the Barbados native. He explains how the achievement left him feeling adrift, having ticked off all his childhood ambitions.
“I wasn’t enjoying cricket. In fact, the total opposite. Just looking at a bat or a ball would make me sad. I didn’t know what path I was on at all.”
This stands in contrast to Ben Stokes, who channeled the pain of 2016 into future success, including a match-winning knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.
Finding Solace Beyond the Field
Brathwaite, now 28, has since found solace in areas beyond the field of play. He has taken up commentary work, which he balances with a young family and continued franchise cricket commitments. Crucially, he has also embraced a mentoring role, imparting his hard-earned wisdom to the next generation.
“I never had that person that I could go to for advice. I do really take satisfaction in imparting whatever knowledge I have of the game and some of the experiences I’ve been through. It feels good to give back.”
Embracing the Legacy
While the iconic moment in Kolkata remains a part of his legacy, Brathwaite has made peace with it, no longer viewing it as a “curse.” He reflects on the privilege of having his name etched in cricketing history, even if it means the commentary call of “Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!” will follow him forever.
As his daughter, fittingly named Eden, grows older, Brathwaite looks forward to sharing the story of that unforgettable night, when her father seized the world’s attention with his 100-ball cricket heroics.
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