“Have to beat India”: Daren Sammy eyes first series win in 24 years

<a href="https://cricket.international/watch-virat-kohli-and-shubman-gill-share-a-funny-moment-ahead-of-1st-odi-vs-west-indies/" title="Watch: Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill share a funny moment ahead of 1st ODI vs West Indies“>West Indies head coach Daren Sammy sees the upcoming ODI series against India as an important test for his side, with the visitors aiming to end a 24-year wait for a ODI series victory in India. The Caribbean side last achieved the feat during the 2002-03 tour, when they won a seven-match series 4-3.

West Indies have endured a difficult period in ODI cricket and will face a strong Indian side in familiar home conditions. For Darenn Sammy, however, the series offers more than just an opportunity to challenge India. It will also give his players a chance to assess their progress before the ODI World Cup qualifiers.

India last lost home ODI series against West Indies in 2002/03 season

The last time West Indies won an ODI series in India was in the 2002-03 season. The seven-match contest went down to the final game, with the visitors securing a 135-run victory in the decider to take the series 4-3.

Marlon Samuels played a key role in that final match with a century as West Indies completed a series win that remains their most recent bilateral ODI success in India.

The overall numbers show how closely contested the rivalry has been. West Indies and India have played 142 ODIs against each other, with India winning 72 and West Indies taking 64 victories. Two matches have ended in a tie, while four produced no result.

In India, West Indies have played 61 ODIs, winning 28 and losing 32, with one match ending in a tie. The visitors will now look to improve that record and achieve a result they have not managed since 2002-03.

“It’s been 24 years, we’ve not won a series here in India” – Daren Sammy

Daren Sammy acknowledged the significance of the wait but said his primary focus is on using the series to measure West Indies’ progress in the 50-over format. He said:

“It’s been 24 years, we’ve not won a series here in India. So it’s a great opportunity for us as a team to come out here and challenge ourselves and measure up ourselves as to where we are in ODIs.”

The West Indies coach also sees the series as an opportunity to test his side against one of the leading teams before the World Cup qualification campaign.

“If you have to win a major ICC event, especially in the white-ball format, you have to beat India. And we playing them here at home and their conditions and performing well and winning gives us a fair idea as to what we could do as a team and how capable we are in competing on the world stage.”

Daren Sammy added that the upcoming ODI World Cup qualifiers remain a major priority for the team.

“The reality of the situation [is] we’ve not made [automatic qualification]. However, if we have to look back as to where we were and what we’ve been able to achieve as an ODI team, we’ve made some strides.”

“Shai Hope is not the only one scoring hundreds” – Daren Sammy

Daren Sammy believes West Indies have developed greater batting depth, with several players contributing significant scores rather than relying heavily on Shai Hope.

“Shai Hope is not the only one scoring hundreds. We’ve gotten hundreds from different players… Amir Jangoo, the way he’s played, we’ve seen a glimpse of Sherfane [Rutherford].”

He also highlighted the return of Alzarri Joseph, who has recently been bowling well, and said the three ODIs would provide opportunities for several players.

Daren Sammy was equally encouraged by the progress of young wristspinner Vitel, who has already made an impression after being introduced to international cricket. He stated:

“Vitel, to me, he’s a find for us. What we saw in him that caused him to debut against New Zealand was all part of the planning and the processes we put in place.”

Source: cricketaddictor.com