If I can contain MS Dhoni in nets, I can contain anyone, says Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne John Bravo is also called DJ Bravo because of his love for music. Can you talk about that facet of your personality?
Well, I am an entertainer by birth. I enjoy entertainment and I enjoy music. My fans love to see me dance, so I enjoy that too. I enjoy doing anything that entertains the fans.

Most West Indian cricketers are born 'cool'. Be it you, Chris Gayle or Kieron Pollard, everyone's so relaxed all the time...
Yes, that's because of our culture. We are laid-back people, happy and fun-loving people just like India(ns). That's why the West Indian players get a lot of love from the fans here in India. Basically, we enjoy playing here and we enjoy entertaining the fans.

Dwayne, we keep hearing the United States, China and India talk about boosting their military. But we have never heard of any Caribbean nation talk on these lines. Haven't you observed this basic difference?
(Laughs) You see most of our countries back home have less than 500,000 people. There is no need to have an army or a big fight with anybody or anything like that. It's just that we are laid-back and we enjoy life. In fact, we enjoy everything we do.

Let's hope the whole world thinks like that some day...
Yeah, that would be cool. We would have a very good world then.

Can you talk about music video featuring Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni?
It's for my single Chalo Chalo. It's a song for my fans here in India. It was played during the CSK games. I asked Virat (Kohli), MS (Dhoni), Brendon McCullum, Chris (Gayle), Harbhajan Singh, Andre Russell and Pollard. They agreed to say Chalo Chalo.

It's been a few months, but how difficult was it to be dropped from the West Indian World Cup squad?
Playing in the World Cup was my dream. I trained for it. I prepared for two-three years to get ready for it. But I was dropped for reasons beyond my control. So there's not much I can say or do about it. But I spent those two months well. I got my chance to do music back home. I also trained for the IPL. I hope I can get back into the West Indies team again.

When you were growing up, the West Indies team was at the peak of its powers. How hurtful is it to see the team lose badly across formats?
Times change, times change. Yes, we used to dominate. Even though we used to dominate, nothing was in place to develop our cricket, so that this generation could benefit. I can say that there are no systems in place even now. People continue to play with natural ability and natural flair.

You are the owner of the Purple Cap in the IPL. What are you doing differently this year?
Two years ago, I had the Purple Cap with 32 wickets. This year, I am bowling at the death. It isn't easy. Look, I don't really enter the IPL to go hunting for the Purple Cap. My job is to play well for CSK. If the Purple Cap comes along, then so be it. My primary job is to perform my role in the team to the best of my abilities.

How have you mastered the art of death bowling in the IPL?
I practice with MS. He is the best in the business. I try to contain him in the nets. If I can contain him, I can contain anyone. Basically, I look at the batsman as much as possible. If he moves early, I use my variations. If he is still, I bowl yorkers. I always try to think ahead of the batsman. I set the field to what I bowl.

So who wins your duel in the nets?
I beat MS more often than not (laughs).

If they were giving out a cap for the most successful fielder, then you would have had to to don that cap too (12 catches). Talk about your love for fielding...
Well, I did a lot of track and field up as a kid. In fact, track and field is in out blood. If you see the way the West India n players run, you realise they all love track and field. It comes naturally to me. I used to run 100 metres in my school days. I don't do 100 metres anymore. I am old now (laughs).

You are the brand ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago Tourism. Let's talk about travelling...
I have had the privilege of travelling the world. I love travelling, but I can't see myself living outside Trinidad and Tobago. It's a country I would encourage everyone to visit. It has something to everyone. Whatever is your interest, my country has something to offer to you.

Name five places one must visit in T&T...
You must go to the Maracas Beach. It's the No. 1 beach in the whole country. You should go to the Brian Lara Promenade. It's a strip named after the great man. Lots of couples go there. It's located in the heart of the city. Then there's the Coco Reef in Tobago. It's a beach but you can also do diving, snorkeling. The water is clear and you can see what's underneath. One can also go to Lady Young. It's a lookout. You can see Port of Spain from up there. Make sure you visit the Queen's Park Oval. It's just beautiful.

And the sixth place to visit should be your house...
(Laughs) No, it should be Brian Lara's. He has a beautiful home there. You can see the Queen's Park Oval and the Queen's Park Savannah. It's lovely.