West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has returned to familiar surroundings with memories still close to the surface. Ten years ago, this was the country where he lifted the T20 World Cup as captain, defied expectations and silenced the home crowd. Time has moved on, roles have changed, but the belief that drives this run remains firmly intact.
Now in command from the dugout, Sammy finds himself again talks about India as the central powerhouse of the tournament. The context is different. India are stronger, deeper and play an aggressive brand of cricket that reflects confidence and clarity. The West Indies, meanwhile, are rebuilding, carrying the weight of a proud past and trying to shape a new future.
Nevertheless, for SAmmy, the truth about tournament cricket has not changed. If you want to lift the trophy in India, you have to beat the hosts first. It was true in 2016. He believes it is even more true now.
India still stands in the way
Sammy’s message was clear and direct.
“No one is going to win this World Cup unless they go through India.”
He emphasized that avoiding India is simply not the answer.
“Whether you have to beat India in the knockout stage, whether it’s the semi-final or the final, they are 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 a home crowd, Sammy acknowledged the scale of the task facing each competitor.
Memories of the fearless year 2016
But the past offers faith to Western India. Sammy recalled how little was expected of his team in 2016, especially ahead of the semi-final against India.
“It was the same scenario when I sat in Mumbai in a press conference and said it’s David versus Goliath.
That night his team chased down 193 and stunned the hosts.
“We sat around the table and said to ourselves, if you want to win this World Cup, you have to go through India.
That way of thinking, Sammy argues, still holds true.
Faith in form
West Indies are coming off a mixed bag of results, including a recent series loss in South Africa. But Sammy sees something beyond the score.
“Yes, the results weren’t good, but I see something in the eyes of those guys that makes me believe we can go all the way.”
According to him, faith is not negotiable.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win.
Carrying a chestnut heritage
Sammy also reminded his players what the West Indies jersey represents.
“You can’t talk about cricket and not talk about the West Indies.
He talked about 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.
“Make your own piece of history. When you win, it’s easier to get things done. Even if nobody believes it, I do and my team does.”
And with that, Sammy left his final note of intent.
“Let the dance begin tomorrow.”
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 7, 2026