Playing his fifth Twenty20 World Cup and one match away from second T20 WC final, Darren Sammy exudes a sense of calm before the storm about to unleash at the Wankhede stadium.
The West Indies will walk out into the floodlights for a face-off with not just the Indian team, but against a nation. “It is going to be a hell of a game, it is going to be the West Indies versus 78,000 and many more millions in India. It is a challenge we are ready to face,” said the Windies skipper.
He underlined responsibility as the key factor bringing out the best in the West Indies squad in this competition. “Responsibility is one of the key words we use in the dressing room. Someone taking the responsibility to bring the team together, not leaving it for anyone in the dressing room. The three games we won (at WT20 2016), the first game Chris Gayle batted throughout the innings. It was Andre Fletcher in the second match, in the third one Marlon Samuels took us really close.”
Afghanistan pulled the carpet from under Windies’ feet in the last league tie.
Sammy understands India’s capability, though he is focused on his team abilities. “We are aware that India is a good team at seizing momentum. Once we don’t let them win too many events in those 240 balls, we are backing ourselves to do it,” said the Windies captain.
Self confidenceAsked about criticism of World Cup performance so far by him, the captain said: “I have always played with a smile on my face. When the tough times came, I always say that many people have job they wake up and go not because they want to, but because they have to. I enjoy what I am doing. All good things must come to an end. I have never let criticism affect me. My strongest assets are my mind and will power. I believe in myself and put the team first at all instances.”
He said that the West Indies success under him in Twenty20 was about captaincy and quality of players in the squad. “I think it is a combination of both tactical awareness and personnel in the dressing room. You look at the two sides (WI, Ind) and notice T20 experience in the dressing room. You look at the IPL, the guys coming in with so many games under their belt.”
Sammy listed match-winners in both camps. “You have Chris Gayle in the dressing room, the best T20 batsman in the world, his record speaks for himself. On the other hand, you have somebody like Virat Kohli in India’s team, there are M. S. Dhoni, Suresh Raina. We have quality players in Dwayne Bravo, Samuel Badree and Sulieman Benn, it is a good combination which allows you to win matches,” said Sammy.
