Daren Sammy Explains India’s T20I Challenge (Agency Images)
‘We probably didn’t have a chance’: Sammy on West Indies’ series draw
West Indies managed to hold India to a 2-2 draw in their recent five-match T20I series, with the final match in Bengaluru abandoned due to rain.
“It’s a true reflection of how all the teams have played, especially for our guys,” Sammy had said after the washed-out fifth T20I. “We played against the defending champions, and we’ve matched them (and) in certain areas we’ve outplayed them, especially in their backyard.” Sammy had described the result as a significant achievement for his side, which competed against the defending champions on their home turf. “I’m pretty sure when the series started, we probably didn’t have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others. The West Indies coach also emphasised the progress his team had made, pointing to their ability to challenge India and outperform them in certain aspects of the series. “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. We just look to make those strides, and I think after this series we’ve taken a massive step,” he added.
Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the tone with a blistering 133-run opening partnership off just 7.1 overs. Abhishek smashed 113 off 38 balls, while Sooryavanshi contributed 45 from 19 deliveries, leaving the depleted New Zealand bowling attack with little room to recover.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has reiterated his praise for his team’s 2-2 T20I series draw against India, pointing to the challenge of competing against the reigning two-time T20 world champions after India’s record-breaking batting display against New Zealand. India produced a breathtaking performance in the third T20I against New Zealand, chasing down a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to secure a six-wicket victory and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. “1. Smaller boundaries “2. Batting paradise pitches “3. India raced to 118 without loss in the first six overs, recording the highest Powerplay total by a Full Member nation in men’s T20 internationals. The previous benchmark was Romania’s 116 for no loss against Serbia in 2021. The Indian batters also crossed the 100-run mark in just five overs, the second-fastest team hundred in men’s T20 cricket, behind Eswatini’s effort against Mozambique earlier in 2026. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines India reached their fifty in just 2.2 overs, equalling the fastest team fifty recorded in men’s T20 cricket. Papua New Guinea had achieved the same feat against Vanuatu, while Romania also reached the milestone in 2.2 overs against Serbia. Abhishek’s 113 off 38 balls, featuring nine fours and 11 sixes, was the standout contribution, while Sooryavanshi’s aggressive start ensured the required run rate never became a concern. India eventually completed the chase with 40 balls remaining.
Sammy highlighted the impact of smaller boundaries, batting-friendly pitches and the challenges posed by a wet ball for bowlers as he underlined why India remain such a formidable opponent in the shortest format. “Wow…. That’s why I praised my team for what they accomplished in India. India is a dangerous team. Wet ball for bowlers,” Sammy wrote. India’s performance against New Zealand offered a striking illustration of the batting firepower Sammy had highlighted. The hosts were unable to contain Abhishek and Sooryavanshi, who attacked from the outset and put the chase firmly in India’s control during the Powerplay. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Reacting to India’s dominant display, Sammy took to X to reinforce his earlier assessment of the West Indies’ performance against India.