'Nobody Is Winning This World Cup If...': West Indies Legend Lays Down One Condition To Win Trophy

West Indies coach Daren Sammy is back in Kolkata – the city where he lifted the T20 World Cup a decade ago. And he’s sure that any team aiming for the title must first overcome hosts India. In 2016, the West Indies had to defeat India in the semifinals to win the title, and Sammy anticipates a similar challenge this time as well.

“Nobody is winning this World Cup if they don’t go through India,” Sammy said, recalling how his team beat India in the 2016 semifinal on their way to their second title.

Back then, Sammy was the captain. Now, from the dugout, he maintains the same belief, despite acknowledging that the challenge seems “bigger” with India’s explosive brand of cricket.

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win. It feels like

the same scenario 10 years ago where nobody gave us a chance. I’m looking at the guys and the calibre of talent in that dressing room. We want to win. We’ve got to play a brand of cricket.”

He stressed that the road to the trophy likely goes through the hosts.

“Just like in 2016, we knew we had to beat India to win the World Cup. It’s an even bigger challenge now. Nobody is winning this World Cup without beating India, whether in a knockout stage, a semifinal, or a final. They are the favourites, and every team must play exceptionally well to beat India at home. It’s their Cup to lose.”

Recalling the 2016 semifinal buildup, he added: “It was the same situation when I sat in Mumbai and said, ‘it’s David versus Goliath’.”

Back then, Sammy’s Windies beat India by seven wickets chasing 193.

Sammy emphasised the importance of momentum.

“To reach the knockouts, you must perform well in each game. It’s about building momentum. We have a tricky match against Scotland tomorrow, then England at Wankhede, which has been good to us in India. Then Italy and Nepal. It’s going to be a fun tournament, but we need to be on the ball.”

The Caribbean side, once dominant in world cricket and two-time T20 champions (2012 and 2016), has faced lean years marked by administrative issues, player influx to franchise leagues, and inconsistent results. However, Sammy believes this group can turn things around.

“We developed leagues all over the world from 2007 to 2016, and advanced the T20 game too. But our talent never really had the chance to pass on the knowledge to the current crop.”

“Despite many challenges, we’re here at the World Cup, and we believe we can make an impact and win. It will take a massive effort, but it’s not impossible.”

West Indies lost 1-2 to South Africa in their build-up series to the T20 World Cup.

“I watched them play that series in South Africa. I watched them here. While the results haven’t been favourable, there’s something in these players’ eyes that makes me believe we could go all the way. With good execution, we’re right there to compete and win against any team.”

He reminded the squad of the significance of the ‘maroon’ jersey and their legacy.

“You can’t talk about cricket without mentioning the West Indies. The maroon makes me who I am today. Viv Richards and others created history by winning World Cups in ’75 and ’79. From 2007 to 2016, we created our own history. This crop has the chance to start something special.”

“West Indies cricketers are more well-known than their prime ministers. It brings a lot of history. I told the team today, create your own piece of history.”

“When you win, it’s easier to achieve things. I think we’re about to win. Even if nobody believes in us, I believe, and my team believes. Let the dance start tomorrow,” he concluded.

With PTI Inputs