As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup unfolds once again in India, Daren Sammy finds himself reflecting on a chapter that defined West Indies cricket. Ten years after captaining the side to their iconic 2016 triumph, the current head coach believes many of the same battles still shape the team’s journey today.
Speaking on the eve of West Indies’ next group assignment, Sammy suggested that while personnel and eras have changed, the broader challenges surrounding the team remain strikingly familiar. The difference now, he insists, lies in how the group responds to those realities.
Learning to Shut Out the Noise
Sammy acknowledged that West Indies are often viewed through the prism of off-field complications rather than their on-field potential. Such perceptions, he noted, can influence expectations long before the contest begins. Internally, however, the mood is far more assured.
Confidence within the squad is rooted in experience, exposure to Indian conditions, and a strong belief in preparation. According to Sammy, when West Indies focus on execution and remain true to their plans, they possess the tools to challenge any opponent in the competition.
Challenges Beyond the Boundary
While stopping short of specifics, Sammy hinted at ongoing difficulties related to player availability and preparation — challenges he described as part of life for a board with limited resources compared to some of the game’s powerhouses.
His response has been to prioritise culture. Building an environment where players feel connected to the legacy of West Indies cricket has become central to his philosophy. Playing for pride, entertaining supporters, and inspiring future generations across the Caribbean are values Sammy is determined to reinforce.
Early Momentum, Bigger Tests Ahead
West Indies opened their campaign with an emphatic victory, offering a glimpse of the intent and clarity Sammy wants to see sustained throughout the tournament. For the coach, that performance reflected a group in a healthy mental space, aligned in purpose and planning.
With sterner challenges on the horizon, including a clash against England, Sammy views this World Cup as another measure of the team’s resilience. The struggles of the past may still linger, but this West Indies side is focused on transforming shared adversity into collective strength — one performance at a time.
