Sammy Draws Inspiration from 2016 as West Indies Eye Strong Start to T20 World Cup

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has invoked memories of the team’s 2016 triumph, insisting belief and execution remain the pillars of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as they prepare to open the tournament against Scotland.

Speaking at Eden Gardens on the eve of the match, the same venue where he lifted the trophy as captain a decade ago, Sammy said the current squad thrives on being underestimated. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win,” he said. “It feels like the same scenario ten years ago, when nobody gave us a chance.”

Sammy stressed that success would hinge on execution with bat, ball and in the field. “I’m looking at the calibre of talent we have in that dressing room. If we go out and execute, we will win it,” he said, returning repeatedly to the theme throughout the press conference.

Selection calls have been closely scrutinised in the build-up to the tournament, particularly the inclusion of Johnson Charles and the decision to move Shimron Hetmyer to No. 3. Sammy defended both choices, saying they were based on balance and clarity of roles.

“Over the last two years we’ve given players opportunities to be the second wicketkeeper behind Shai Hope, and no one really grabbed it,” Sammy explained. “If something happens to Shai, Johnson is the direct replacement at the top of the order and with the gloves. I know people have opinions, but I’ve never worried about what the public says.”

On Hetmyer’s shift up the order, Sammy revealed it came after strong internal discussions. “He’s been a massive part of what we’ve done, especially in the South Africa series. For three or four years he’s been finishing games, and now he’s taken responsibility at No. 3. If he continues like this, he makes our batting stronger and puts his hand up to be man of the tournament.”

Addressing West Indies’ decline in T20 cricket since their golden period, Sammy pointed to structural challenges rather than a lack of talent. “We are one of only three teams to have won this title twice,” he said. “Between 2009 and 2016, we really invented the game. But cycles come, and we face challenges with facilities, systems, and keeping and developing players.”

He also reflected on the missed opportunity for the 2016 champions to pass on their experience. “That team never really got the chance to transfer knowledge to this generation. I dream of an era where we say we did this because of, not in spite of, the challenges we face.”

Sammy emphasised the cultural weight of wearing the West Indies maroon, noting the team’s global influence. “You can’t talk about cricket without talking about West Indies. Our cricketers are known better than our prime ministers. Viv Richards and his generation created their history, we created ours between 2007 and 2016. Now this group has the opportunity to start something special.”

Turning his attention to Scotland, who beat West Indies at the 2022 T20 World Cup, and to Nepal, another team that has troubled them recently, Sammy warned against dwelling on past defeats. “Thinking of the past would be self-sabotage,” he said. “In shorter formats, the gap between teams is smaller. We’re not favourites — we have to execute a good game of cricket every single time.”

As West Indies begin their campaign in familiar surroundings, Sammy believes belief, clarity and execution can once again carry them further than expectations suggest.