West Indies coach Daren Sammy made a return to the city that once witnessed his team lift the T20 World Cup for the second time, reiterating an important message: any team with aspirations of winning this tournament must first overcome the hosts, India. Reflecting on their 2016 victory, when the West Indies triumphed over India in the semifinals while en route to the title, Sammy stated emphatically, “Nobody is winning this World Cup if they don’t go through India.”
Sammy, who was the captain during the West Indies’ memorable 2016 campaign, now leads from the sidelines. Nevertheless, he insists that the team’s belief in their potential remains unwavering despite the daunting challenge posed by India, which has recently showcased a dominant style of cricket. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win,” he said, drawing parallels to their past when they were seen as underdogs. “I know it feels like the same scenario 10 years ago, where everything was against us, and nobody gave us a chance. But I see the calibre of talent we have in that dressing room.”
The coach stressed that any path to the trophy is likely to run through India, saying, “One thing I know for sure – and probably every other team knows it too – is that just like in 2016, when we got here, we played India in a warm-up match and then Australia. We concluded that to win this World Cup, you have to go through India.”
He acknowledged that the challenge has intensified but remained optimistic. “It’s an even bigger challenge now. Nobody is winning this World Cup if they don’t go through India, whether it’s in a semifinal or a final. They’re the favorites, and every team must perform exceptionally to beat India on their home turf. It’s their Cup to lose.”
As he recalled the 2016 semifinal buildup, Sammy reminisced about describing the contest as “David versus Goliath.” In that match, the West Indies, led by Sammy, successfully chased down 193 runs, defeating India by seven wickets. With a mix of nostalgia and fresh ambition, Sammy aims to inspire his team to face the giants once again in their quest for T20 glory.