West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is back in India for another T20 World Cup and, in his own words, “still fighting” the battles that dogged the side a decade ago. Ten years have passed since he lifted the trophy in Kolkata, yet he feels many of the underlying issues remain unchanged.
“The circumstances are probably still the same,” Sammy said in Mumbai during a pre-match briefing. “I remember coming into 2016, some of the names that my cricketers were called, some of the battles we had to fight. To this day, 10 years later, we’re still fighting it. But we won’t let that affect what we bring on the field.”
Sammy’s main theme was control: concentrate on what the team can manage, ignore the noise. “We try to control the things that are within our power,” he continued. “Some of these things are being dedicated, being resilient, being clear on our execution, which is the on-field play.”
West Indies rarely arrive at global tournaments without off-field turbulence. Central contracts, player availability and the region’s fractured cricketing landscape always lurk in the background. While Sammy would not delve into specifics – “maybe after the tournament,” he half-joked – he accepted that the challenges are real.
“You know, it’s the West Indies,” he said with a resigned shrug. “We’re not as fortunate as certain boards. So, we always have these challenges that we face. But it is my job as the head coach and the management to make sure we create an environment that is breeding West Indies culture.”
That culture, he believes, rests on pride in the badge and a style that inspires young Caribbean cricketers. “The desire to play for the crest, the badge, and go out and entertain the fans. That’s why we play, that’s why you’re an athlete.”
Sammy also recognises how outsiders often under-rate his side. “Many people look at West Indies and all the issues that we have… So they don’t really give us much of a chance,” he admitted. “But the confidence we have within our group, the players that we have, the experience we have playing in India – we know when we put it together and we trust our execution and the process, we become a very competitive team.”
Focus on results, not rhetoric
The early signs are positive. West Indies opened their campaign with a tidy 35-run win over Scotland in Kolkata, a match in which both top-order intent and death-overs discipline were evident. The squad then flew west to Mumbai, where England await on Wednesday. England arrive after an unconvincing first outing – nervy, a touch rusty – though they still found a way to pick up the points.
For West Indies, Wednesday offers a sharper gauge of where they stand. England’s deep batting line-up and varied attack represent a step up from Scotland, yet conditions at the Wankhede Stadium should suit Caribbean hitting. Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran and captain Rovman Powell all enjoy pace on the ball; add Andre Russell’s late-overs power and a serviceable spin duo, and Sammy’s optimism makes sense.
Resource gap remains
Away from batting orders and slower balls, the wider debate is about resources. West Indies Cricket, spread across several sovereign nations, cannot match the financial muscle of the BCCI, ECB or CA. Smaller budgets translate into fewer A-team tours, limited development camps and logistical headaches. Sammy did not spell it out, but the implication was clear: his players must, at times, make do.
Yet limitations can foster unity. The 2016 champions thrived on an ‘us-against-the-world’ mindset, and some of that spirit lingers. In Mumbai the mood appeared light; fielding drills were energetic, and the bowlers’ meeting spilled over into shared jokes. That internal buoyancy is arguably Sammy’s biggest achievement since taking the job last year.
Potential turning point
A strong showing in India would help reset perceptions. West Indies have not reached a men’s global semi-final since 2016, while their 50-over cricket has drifted alarmingly. Performing in a format still closely linked to Caribbean flair could re-ignite interest back home and strengthen the board’s hand when negotiating fixtures and funding.
The head coach, meanwhile, is under no illusion about the scale of the task. “The team right now is in a very good space mentally,” he said. “The way the guys have been preparing has been really good. The discussions going around the planning. I see a focused team.”
Small margins will decide whether that mindset translates into victories. West Indies need sharper power-play bowling and steadier middle-overs batting against premium opposition. Their catching, excellent against Scotland, must hold up under heavier fire.
Still, Sammy’s bottom line has not shifted since his playing days: resilience, belief, execution. “When we put it together and we trust our execution and the process, we become a very competitive team.” Few would dispute the logic. History shows that when West Indies click, labels and budgets fade; all that remains is their unmistakable rhythm – and, occasionally, a trophy lift.
