West Indies coach Daren Sammy returned to the town the place he lifted the T20 World Cup for one final time a decade in the past and instantly made one factor clear: any workforce harbouring title hopes should first get previous host India.
West Indies needed to do it within the semifinals whereas profitable the title in India in 2016 and it gained’t be any simpler this time too.
“No one is profitable this World Cup in the event that they don’t undergo India,” Sammy mentioned, recalling how his facet had crushed India within the 2016 semifinal en path to its second title.
Again then, Sammy was captain. Now he might be in cost within the dugout, however the perception, he insists, stays the identical, although the problem appears “larger” with India enjoying an explosive model of cricket.
“We wouldn’t be right here if we didn’t consider we may win. I do know it appears like the identical state of affairs 10 years in the past the place all the things that was in opposition to us, no one gave us an opportunity and I’m trying on the guys and the calibre of expertise that now we have in that dressing room.
“We wish to win. We’ve obtained to play a model of cricket.”
He mentioned the trail to the trophy is unlikely to keep away from the host.
“One factor I do know for certain, and doubtless each different workforce, identical to 2016, after we obtained right here, I feel we performed India in a warm-up match after which Australia.
“And we sat across the desk, the senior guys, coach Phil (Simmons) at the moment, and we mentioned, so as to win this World Cup, you must undergo India.”
“It’s even an even bigger problem now. No one is profitable this World Cup in the event that they don’t undergo India, whether or not you must beat India in a knockout stage, whether or not it’s a semifinal or a last. So, they’re the favourites. And each workforce has to play rather well to beat India at house. It’s their Cup to lose.”
Recalling the 2016 semifinal buildup, he added: “It was the identical state of affairs after I sat in Mumbai in a press convention and I mentioned, ‘it’s David versus Goliath’.” Again then, the Sammy-led Windies beat India by seven wickets chasing 193.
Sammy additional mentioned momentum would be the key.
“To be able to get to the knockouts, you’ve obtained to play every sport properly. And I feel it’s all about selecting up momentum. Every sport, we’ve obtained a difficult one tomorrow,” he mentioned about their match in opposition to Scotland.
“Then we’ve obtained England on the Wankhede, someplace that has been good to us in India. Then Italy and Nepal. It’s going to be a enjoyable event, however we’ve actually obtained to be on the ball.”
The Caribbean facet, as soon as world cricket’s dominant power and two-time T20 champions (2012 and 2016), have endured lean years marked by administrative points, participant inflow to franchise leagues and inconsistent outcomes, however Sammy believes this group can script a turnaround.
“We, between 2007 to 2016, we developed leagues everywhere in the world and developed the T20 sport as properly,” he mentioned referring to its sought-after cricketers within the franchise leagues world wide.
“However with that, our expertise was we by no means actually had it. Have a look at that 2016 workforce, by no means obtained the chance to move on the data to the crop that now we have now.”
“So, so much has been in opposition to us, however now we’re right here within the World Cup and we consider that we may have an effect and that influence may take us to profitable. It’s going to take an enormous effort from everybody, however one that isn’t inconceivable.”
West Indies misplaced in South Africa 1-2 in its build-up collection to the T20 World Cup.
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“I watched these guys to play that collection in South Africa. I watched them right here. Sure, the outcomes haven’t been good, however there’s something I see in these guys’ eyes that makes me consider that we may go all the way in which.
“However with good execution of the ball, we’re proper there to compete and win video games in opposition to any workforce.”
He additionally reminded the squad of the burden of the ‘maroon’ jersey and the previous legacy.
“You possibly can’t speak about cricket and never discuss concerning the West Indies. So the maroon for me remains to be what makes me who I’m at present.
“Viv (Richards) and people guys, they began by profitable the World Cups (in 75 and 79) they usually created their historical past.
“We made that period between 2007 and 2016. We created our personal historical past. So now I feel this crop may begin one thing actually particular.
“West Indies cricketers are recognized higher than their prime ministers. It brings loads of historical past. I instructed them within the huddle at present, create your individual piece of historical past.
“While you win, it’s simpler to get issues completed once you win. I feel we’re about to win. Though no one believes, I consider and my workforce believes. And let the dance begin tomorrow,” he signed off.
Revealed on Feb 06, 2026