‘David beat the Goliath’: Darren Sammy eyes repeat of 2016 against India in Super Eights clash

NEW DELHI: It is hard not to admire Darren Sammy, the two time T20 World Cup winning former West Indies captain who now serves as head coach. And he is well aware of the affection he commands.

Even as his side gears up for a must win Super Eights clash against India, a brief interaction with Sammy is enough to lift the mood. His presence has that kind of warmth.

Tilak Varma looks like a number six, says Ryan ten Doeschate ahead of West Indies test

A decade ago, under his leadership, West Indies had knocked Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India out in the semi-finals of the 2016 edition.

Can history repeat itself on Sunday?

“Well, I would say history can repeat itself. Although it was a different venue, but it’s two different teams. Two teams trying to move on in the tournament,” Sammy tried to keep it straight.

The India Challenge

He soon addressed the bigger picture of facing India in a high pressure encounter.

“You’re absolutely right, I still think in order for you to win this tournament, you have to go through India at some point. Tomorrow is that day for us and we’ve got to play a good game of cricket in order to come out victorious. I’m excited for the contest,” Sammy said.

Sporting a striking gold cross chain, Sammy did not resemble Pat Cummins but echoed a similar sentiment to what the Australian captain had expressed before the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

“I am pretty sure they will have 80,000 (67,000) here tomorrow and then another 1.4 billion supporting India. So it will still feel as a David and Goliath showdown, but like I said in 2016, David beat the Goliath. That’s what I’m going to tell my boys tomorrow.”

Love from Kolkata

When asked about Kolkata, a city deeply passionate about cricket, Sammy once again displayed his grace.

“I love being here (Kolkata). They still stop by and say “best of luck.” But I ask them (Kolkata fans), “do you mean it? And then they say, yes, whoever plays well.”

A proud Caribbean, Sammy acknowledged that the admiration stems from the legacy of West Indies greats.

“It is more or less, it says, you know, what our greats have done playing in India, like Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv (Richards) and those guys. You know, the mark they left on the Indian fans before, we are still benefiting from it.”

He also recognized that after India, West Indies remain a fan favorite in the country.

“But, yeah, I’m not surprised. Obviously, we are most people’s second favorite team, but, you know, we’re playing against, you know, their favourites. So the mindset of the camp is good.”

Ready for the dance

Sammy appeared calm and confident that something special could unfold.

“You know, I think it was here we started when I said, I feel something special is about to happen. I say so because of the focus I saw in the team, the mindset, the attention to detail, the attention to their preparation. And I still believe that.”

When asked lightheartedly about the celebrations if they win, Sammy responded in his trademark style.

“I’m not sure about any song, but we do have our rituals we do when we win. I still don’t know the words of the song, but I’m enjoying it. But, yeah, it will be a massive, massive, massive celebration for us to get through to the semifinals.”

And if his bowlers could make India dance to their Calypso rhythm? Sammy smiled.

“What time is it? 7 o’clock? Yeah, in just over 26 hours, the bell will ring here at Kolkata, and the dance will start. That’s where the dancing will happen on the cricket field. And, hopefully, west indies dance the best,” Sammy said like only he can.

There was no bitterness in his words, only warmth ahead of the showdown.

(With PTI Inputs)