West Indies head coach Daren Sammy walked back into familiar surroundings with memories that still feel close to the surface. A decade ago, this was the country where he lifted the T20 World Cup as captain, defying expectations and silencing a home crowd along the way. Time has moved on, roles have changed, but the belief that powered that run remains firmly intact.
Now in charge from the dugout, Sammy finds himself once again speaking about India as the central force of the tournament. The context is different. India is stronger, deeper, and playing an aggressive brand of cricket that reflects confidence and clarity. West Indies, meanwhile, are rebuilding, carrying the weight of a proud past while trying to shape a new future.
Yet for Sammy, the truth of tournament cricket has not changed. If you want to lift the trophy in India, you must first overcome the hosts. It was true in 2016. He believes it is even more true now.
India still stand in the way
Sammy’s message was clear and direct.
“Nobody is winning this World Cup if they don’t go through India.”
He stressed that avoiding India is simply not an option.
“Whether you have to beat India in a knockout stage, whether it be a semi-final or a final, they’re the favourites. Every team has to play really well to beat India at home. It’s their Cup to lose.”
With India playing fearless cricket and backed by home crowds, Sammy acknowledged the scale of the task facing every contender.
Memories of a fearless 2016
The past, however, offers West Indies belief. Sammy recalled how little was expected of his side in 2016, especially ahead of the semifinal against India.
“It was the same scenario when I sat in Mumbai in a press conference and I said, ‘it’s David versus Goliath’.”
That night, his team chased down 193 and stunned the hosts.
“We sat around the table and said, in order to win this World Cup, you have to go through India.”
That mindset, Sammy insists, still applies.
Belief over form
West Indies arrive with mixed results, including a recent series loss in South Africa. But Sammy sees something beyond scorelines.
“Yes, the results have not been good, but there is something I see in those guys’ eyes that makes me believe that we could go all the way.”
Belief, he says, is non-negotiable.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win.”
Carrying the maroon legacy
Sammy also reminded his players of what the West Indies jersey represents.
“You can’t talk about cricket and not talk about the West Indies.”
He spoke of past eras, from the dominance of the 1970s to the T20 triumphs of 2012 and 2016, and challenged this group to add their own chapter.
“Create your own piece of history. When you win, it’s easier to get things done. Even though nobody believes, I believe and my team believes.”
And with that, Sammy left his final note of intent.
“Let the dance start tomorrow.”
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