‘We Can Match The No. 1’: Daren Sammy Sees New Belief After West Indies Shock India

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his side has discovered something important from the ODI series against India: when they maintain their standards for long enough, they can compete with the best in the world.

The West Indies lost the three-match series 2-1, but ended it on a high with a stunning chase of 352 in the third ODI at Mullanpur. Led by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 162, they chased down India’s imposing target to deny the hosts a clean sweep and provide a major boost to their confidence.

“We came here knowing the quality that India has, and to measure ourselves against a quality team like that. We've shown that when we do things consistently well for long enough, we could match the number one team in the world,” Sammy said after the match.

Hope’s performance was particularly impressive. After keeping wickets for the entire Indian innings, he returned to the crease and produced a match-winning knock despite the physical demands of the day.

With Jewel Andrew suffering a finger injury, Hope had taken responsibility behind the stumps before putting on his batting gear and carrying the West Indies across the finish line.

“He literally took the team on his back today with the bat,” Sammy said, praising Hope’s leadership and commitment to West Indies cricket.

Sammy also defended his bowling attack, saying the conditions throughout the series offered little assistance. With the pitches providing minimal movement, the bowlers had almost no room for error.

Despite that, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde and Alzarri Joseph impressed during the powerplay in the third ODI, helping restrict India to what Sammy considered a par score.

For Sammy, the series was therefore about more than the final result. It offered the West Indies evidence that disciplined cricket, sustained over an entire match, can allow them to stand toe-to-toe with the world's leading sides.