West Indies coach Darren Sammy said his team is ready for the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 virtual knockout at Eden Gardens, recalling their 2016 win.
Daren Sammy returns to Eden Gardens with fresh responsibility in the T20 World Cup 2026. He led the West Indies to the 2016 title at the same venue. Now, Darren Sammy prepares the side as head coach for the Super 8 match against India.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sammy said any team aiming to lift the trophy must defeat India at some stage. He described the contest as a David versus Goliath battle and reminded his players of the 2016 win.
“To win this tournament, you have to go through India at some point. We are going to play a good game in order to come out victorious. It will still feel like a David and Goliath showdown, but in 2016, David did defeat Goliath, so that’s what I will tell my boys. All my soldiers are ready for battle,” he said.
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Despite the loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad, Sammy saw positives in the team’s batting. He noted that South Africa showed India can be defeated. He also praised Varun Chakaravarthy as the top T20 bowler at present.
“South Africa has shown that India is beatable, but you have some extremely good power hitters. Varun (Chakaravarthy) is the number one bowler in T20 cricket. We respect every opposition,” Sammy added.
Sammy added that Shimron Hetmyer looks relaxed and has handled responsibility well, which has boosted the squad ahead of Sunday’s match.
“This is the most relaxed I have seen him in the dressing room. The responsibility he has batted with, has given us a boost,” the coach concluded.
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