Captains impressed with Darren Bravo

Darren Bravo has won the admiration of rival captains Chris Gayle and MS Dhoni after his brief, yet impressive, first outing in international cricket in the first ODI at Sabina Park. He struck two boundaries in his knock of 19, displaying sound technique and flourish in West Indies' reply to India's 339.

"He didn't show any form of nerves, being around his brother actually calmed him down a bit. He did well batting and in the outfield as well and hopefully he can get a bigger score if the opportunity comes across him again," Gayle said of Darren Bravo.

Darren Bravo came in to bat following the dismissal of his half-brother Dwayne, and put on 36 in quick time with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was anchoring the run chase. But when Chanderpaul fell with the score on 224, the game swung decisively in India's favour - though they did suffer a lower-order scare - and Darren Bravo followed soon after, miscuing a pull off Harbhajan Singh.

"He's good. He will improve, the more international cricket he plays the better for him," Dhoni said, suggesting that youngsters ought to be given more exposure at the international stage. "Most of the players who play at the international level have the talent - it's just that some players get more backing than others. Some are considered match-winners and often match-winners are given more time compared to others."

Dhoni pointed out that it would be easier for younger players to adapt to the demands of international cricket especially if their team is performing well. "At times, it becomes very difficult. It's easy when your team is doing well, you can really push that player in. I think it is up to the selectors to groom a player," Dhoni said.

Darren Bravo, during his innings, drew comparisons to Brian Lara, for the similarity in technique as well as looks, which Gayle acknowledged. "There is some sort of batting technique (similarity), some lookalike, Brian may be his idol."