‘That’s why I praised my team’: Daren Sammy backs West Indies 2-2 draw, says India remain ‘dangerous team’

Daren Sammy explains India’s T20I challenge (Agency Images) West Indies head coach Daren Sammy reiterated his praise for his side’s 2-2 T20I series draw against India and highlighted the challenge of competing with the reigning two-time T20 world champions after India’s record batting performance against New Zealand. Sammy highlighted the impact of smaller boundaries, batting-friendly pitches and the challenges a wet ball presents to bowlers as he highlighted why India are such a formidable opponent in the shortest format.India produced a breathtaking performance in the third T20I against New Zealand as they chased down the target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to secure a six-wicket victory and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the tone with a scintillating opening partnership of 133 runs in just 7.1 overs. Abhishek smashed 113 off 38 balls while Sooryavanshi contributed 45 off 19 deliveries, leaving a depleted New Zealand bowling attack with little room to recover.In response to India’s dominant display, Sammy took the X to bolster his earlier assessment of West Indies’ performance against India.“Wow… That’s why I praised my team for what they did in India. India is a dangerous team.”“1. Smaller boundaries“2. Batting paradise pitches“3. Wet ball for the pitcher,” wrote Sammy.

‘We probably didn’t stand a chance’: Sammy on West Indies series draw

West Indies managed to hold India to a 2-2 draw in their recent five-match T20I series, with the final match in Bengaluru abandoned due to rain. Sammy described the result as a significant achievement for his side competing against the defending champions on their home soil.“It’s a real reflection of how all the teams played, especially for our boys,” Sammy said after the fifth T20I was played.“I’m pretty sure when the streak started we probably didn’t have a chance. But that was just other people’s opinion.”The West Indies coach also highlighted the progress his team has made and pointed to their ability to challenge India and overcome them in certain aspects of the series.“We understand what success means to us; we never take for granted where we are as a team and the challenges we face. We just try to take those steps and I think we took a huge step after this series,” he added.“We played the defending champions and matched them (and) outplayed them in certain areas, especially in their backyard.”

Abhishek, Sooryavanshi propel India to record chase

India’s performance against New Zealand offered a striking illustration of the firepower of the bat that Sammy highlighted. The home team could not contain Abhishek and Sooryavanshi, who attacked from the start and put the chase firmly under India’s control during the power play.India raced to 118 for no loss in the first six overs, posting the highest Powerplay total by a full member in men’s T20 internationals. The previous benchmark was Romania’s unbeaten 116 against Serbia in 2021.The Indian batsmen also crossed the 100-run mark in just five overs, the second-fastest team hundred in men’s T20 cricket, behind Eswatini’s effort against Mozambique in early 2026.India reached their fifty in just 2.2 overs, equaling the fastest fifty recorded in men’s T20 cricket. Papua New Guinea achieved the same feat against Vanuatu, while Romania also reached the milestone in 2.2 overs against Serbia.Abhishek’s 113 off 38 balls with nine fours and 11 sixes was an outstanding contribution, while Sooryavanshi’s aggressive start ensured that the required run rate never became an issue. India eventually completed the chase with 40 balls to spare.