West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is quietly optimistic that his fiery pace attack can replicate New Zealand’s famous success in India when his side tours later this year. The upcoming two-Test series, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle, and Sammy believes his quicks have the tools to trouble India’s formidable batting lineup.
New Zealand stunned the cricketing world last year when they handed India a historic 3-0 defeat, the hosts’ first Test series loss at home in 12 years. Sammy has drawn inspiration from that performance, stressing that his bowlers possess the skill, variety, and determination to force a similar upset.
Speaking at a press conference, the former all-rounder highlighted the depth in his pace department. “We have found ourselves in a position where our seam attack could operate in any conditions. That six-to-eight-metre length works across the world. But in our fast-bowling department, we’ve got four different guys who bring their own variety,” Darren Sammy explained.
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He went on to break down the unique strengths of his pace unit. “You have Shamar Joseph, who’s very skiddy; Jayden Seales, who has a strong front leg and swings the ball both ways; and then there’s Alzarri Joseph, with his height and ability to generate steep bounce. Together, they give us the confidence that we can take 20 wickets in Indian conditions. Because if you can’t take 20 wickets in India, you’re always on the back foot.”
Sammy stressed that the fundamentals of pace bowling remain the same regardless of conditions. “The process doesn’t change. The lines and lengths—six to eight metres—remain crucial. Sometimes you adjust slightly fuller or shorter, but I have full confidence in this group. Our goal is simple: go out there, bowl aggressively, and claim 20 wickets. That’s the first step to winning in India.”
The Caribbean side hasn’t won a Test series in India since 1983, a drought Darren Sammy is determined to end. He revealed that the team has spent the past few weeks analysing data and preparing strategies to counter India’s strengths.
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“From my end, the ten days leading into the first Test will be about drilling all these plans and preparing thoroughly. We’re not traveling to India just to participate. We’re going there with the mindset to win,” Darren Sammy asserted. “New Zealand showed that it’s possible, and we should take confidence from that. Now it’s about applying those lessons with our own players.”
The challenge is immense, but Sammy’s conviction signals that the West Indies will not be pushovers. With their renewed pace and firepower, they aim to turn heads in India and begin the WTC cycle on a high.
