Returning to the hollowed grounds of Eden Gardens, the site of his 2016 triumph, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has issued a defiant warning to the cricketing world. On the eve of their 2026 T20 World Cup opener against Scotland, Sammy drew parallel lines between the current squad and the "underdogs" of a decade ago, insisting that while nobody gives them a chance, the belief in the dressing room is absolute.
Sammy was unequivocal: the road to the trophy runs through the host nation. He labelled India as the "Goliath" of the tournament, playing an explosive brand of cricket that makes them the team to beat.
Nobody is winning this World Cup if they don’t go through IndiaDarren Sammy, Head Coach, West Indies
He recalled the 2016 semifinal win over India in Mumbai as proof that the favourites can be toppled, provided a team has the "momentum" and "calibre of talent" currently sitting in the Windies' dugout.
Sammy addressed the two most debated selection calls in the Caribbean camp, emphasizing the word "execution."
Shimron Hetmyer at no. 3: After years of finishing innings, Hetmyer has been challenged by his teammates to take the crucial No. 3 spot. Sammy believes this responsibility could make him the "Man of the Tournament."
Johnson Charles: Despite public criticism, Sammy defended Charles as the direct replacement for Shai Hope at the top of the order and behind the stumps.
In a moment of raw honesty, Sammy touched upon the systemic decline of West Indies cricket, citing challenges in facilities, development, and player retention.
I dream for an era where we say we did this because of and not in spite of. But that’s what we have. Our cricketers are known better than our prime ministers. If you understand the history... you understand you have an opportunity to shape the next generation.Darren Sammy, Head Coach, West Indies
The West Indies face a tricky path through the group stages, starting with a Scotland side that famously upset them in 2022.
| Fixture | Venue | Context |
|---|---|---|
| vs Scotland | Eden Gardens | Avoiding the "tricky" upset of 2022. |
| vs England | Wankhede Stadium | A high-stakes clash at a "good luck" venue. |
| vs Italy | TBA | Maintaining momentum against Associate nations. |
| vs Nepal | TBA | Guarding against the threat of spin-heavy upsets. |