"Outplayed Them in Their Backyard": Sammy Lauds West Indies' Gritty Draw Against India
Daren Sammy claims West Indies outplayed India in certain areas as the T20I series ended in a 2-2 draw.
The West Indies may not have secured a bilateral series victory on Indian soil for the first time since 2002, but they have certainly sent a strong message to the cricketing world. After a hard-fought battle, the West Indies vs India T20I series ended in a 2-2 draw, with the final match being called off after India had faced only 46 balls.
A Massive Step Forward
For the visiting side, this result is more than just a draw. Historically, the West Indies have struggled in India, losing all three of their previous bilateral T20I series and winning only one out of seven matches. However, head coach Daren Sammy believes this performance marks a turning point for the team.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sammy described the series as a "massive step" toward the team's long-term goals. He emphasized that competing against the defending ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions and matching them blow-for-blow is a significant achievement.
"We understand what success means to us, we don't ever take for granted where we are as a team and the challenges that we face," Sammy stated. "We played against the defending champions, and we've matched them, and in certain areas we've outplayed them, especially in their backyard."
Defying the Doubters
Led by Shai Hope, the West Indies displayed a potent blend of application and raw power-hitting throughout the series. This resilience allowed them to hold their own against a formidable Indian side in front of their home crowds.
Sammy also touched upon the external perceptions of the team before the tour began. He noted that many critics had written the West Indies off, suggesting they stood little chance of competing with India. According to the coach, the 2-2 scoreline is a true reflection of the effort put in by his players and a direct answer to those who doubted them.
What Lies Ahead
As the curtains fall on this competitive series, both teams now prepare for their next challenges:
- India: The Men in Blue are heading to New Zealand for an all-format tour, which is scheduled to kick off on October 22.
- West Indies: The visitors will travel to Bangladesh for a two-match series as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27.