West Indies cricket team (PTI Photo)
Against that backdrop, their 1-2 defeat in the ODI series was far from dispiriting. Because of us, it’s in spite of all the challenges that we face, it’s not.
Head coach Daren Sammy, captain of the 2016 World T20-winning side, put it that it was “box-office TV stuff”. “For us, what success means may be different to the viewers,” said the former allrounder. Sammy said the players had refused to let setbacks define them. When the West Indies does well, it lightens the mood of every person in the Caribbean,” he said.
They have since taken the five-match T20I series to the decider. “For us, success is progress. In spite of all the challenges that we face, if we could come here and compete against the best team in the world – the defending champs – we tick boxes that keep us in the conversation. We’re still doing well and continue to be a team that brings entertainment to the world when we are doing well. The way we’ve played, we’ve sent a strong message. If we could be consistent, the players that we have in the dressing room, they go out there and give their all. For Sammy, West Indies’ value extends beyond results. Their brand of cricket, he believes, still draws viewers and lifts spirits across the Caribbean. “The fact that we make cricket really competitive is good for viewership.
“Before the series started, we all knew the big cuts and everything that happened.