‘We matched the defending champions’: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy after India’s 2-2 T20I draw

BCCI Treasurer Raghuram Bhat presents the series trophy to India captain Shreyas Iyer and West Indies captain Shai Hope, who poses with the series trophy after the fifth and final T20I cricket match was called off due to rain, leading to a 2-2 series draw in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his side have taken a big step forward after drawing the five-match T20I series against India 2-2. The final match in Bengaluru was called off due to rain, but Sammy said the team’s performances showed that the players are regaining confidence and can compete with the world’s best teams.Sammy also emphasized the need for more financial support to help West Indies cricket grow and maintain its place in international cricket.

Sammy sees confidence returning to the West Indies

Sammy said West Indies entered the series with many doubting their chances against India. However, the players proved that they can challenge the reigning T20 World Champions at home.“It’s a real reflection of how all the teams played, especially for our boys. I’m pretty sure when the series started we probably didn’t have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others. We’d like to win for something we haven’t done in India in forever, so it would be nice. I think the cup is still in our favor because we won the home game the last time we played 23 after 3-2 games at Sammaters press conference.He added that the team’s ability to match and surpass India in certain areas showed how much progress the players had made.“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. We played against the defending champions and matched them (and) outplayed them in certain areas, especially in their backyard,” he added.

Sammy is asking for financial support

Apart from the team’s results, Sammy stressed that West Indies cricket needs financial support to secure its future. He pointed to the sport’s rich history in the Caribbean and its contribution to fans and businesses around the world.He said the team’s recent performances could help attract the support needed to boost regional play.“I think it’s important; my mum always says you have to have a caring factor. No matter what you do in life, it’s human nature to never lose that caring factor. I think we’re in a position where we need someone to put (an arm around) West Indies cricket. Financially, and series like this, here in India, against the best team in the world, it brings us closer.Sammy also welcomed the renewed confidence and fighting spirit among his players.“All the guys in the dressing room, they went out there and played with intent and I think what’s been good to see is that the swagger is back, the confidence is back. It started during the World Cup and you could see the guys enjoying themselves and the will to win was there. That’s where it starts; believing we belong where we are and having consistent performances says that’s where you belong now.”