Carlos Ricardo Brathwaite is a Barbadian former international cricketer and current commentator known for his role as a powerful all-rounder in limited-overs cricket. A right-handed middle-order batter and right-arm fast-medium bowler, Brathwaite became widely recognized for his explosive finishing ability and big-match performances for the West Indies. Standing around 6 ft 4 in (193 cm), he combined pace bowling with aggressive lower-order batting and was a regular member of West Indies’ white-ball squads between 2011 and 2019.
Brathwaite made his T20I debut for West Indies on 11 October 2011 against Bangladesh, followed by his ODI debut on 18 October 2011 in the same series. He later made his Test debut on 26 December 2015 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The defining moment of his career came during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 Final against England. With West Indies needing 19 runs from the final over, Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to secure victory and deliver the team’s second T20 World Cup title.
He later briefly captained the West Indies T20I side in 2016 and continued to contribute as an all-rounder in international tournaments, including the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored his first ODI century against New Zealand.
Brathwaite began his domestic career with Barbados and later played for Combined Campuses and Colleges in West Indies regional competitions.
He also developed an extensive franchise career in global T20 leagues. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he played for teams including Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Beyond the IPL, Brathwaite competed in tournaments such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and England’s Vitality Blast, representing teams like Barbados Tridents, Antigua Hawksbills, and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
After his playing career, he transitioned into broadcasting and became part of international cricket commentary teams.
Brathwaite was known for his powerful hitting and ability to finish innings, often batting in the middle or lower order in limited-overs matches. His tall frame and fast-medium bowling allowed him to generate bounce and extract wickets during key phases of a match.
His most enduring legacy remains his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, particularly the historic final-over performance in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Carlos Brathwaite is remembered as a dynamic West Indies all-rounder whose explosive batting and seam bowling made him a valuable limited-overs player. His iconic four-six over in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup Final remains one of cricket’s most dramatic finishes, securing his place in the sport’s modern history and defining his legacy as a big-match performer.