Daren Sammy says drawn India series shows West Indies T20 progress

BENGALURU, India. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has praised his team's progress in T20 cricket after the five-match series against India ended in a 2-2 draw.

His comments followed the rain-abandoned fifth T20I, in which India reached 118 for five in 7.4 overs before play was halted.

Sammy highlighted the West Indies' ability to compete with second-ranked India despite sitting seventh in the T20I rankings. He pointed to the team's run to the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to India, and a 2-1 home series win over Sri Lanka in June.

"I'm pretty sure when the series started, we probably didn't have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others," he said.

"We would have liked to win because that's something we've not done forever in India, so it would have been nice. I think the cup still is in our favour because we won the home leg the last time we played (in 2023) 3-2."

"We played against the defending champions and we've matched them, [and] in certain areas we've outplayed them, especially in their backyard," Sammy added.

Financial pressures

Sammy said he hoped the improved performances would help strengthen the team's financial position. His comments come as Cricket West Indies (CWI) implements major financial reforms, including a 25 per cent pay cut for contracted international players.

He recalled stories of past West Indies teams touring for months, building a fan base and generating revenue for many people.

"I think we're in a position where we need somebody to put a [hand around the shoulder of] West Indies cricket. Financially, that is, and a series like this, here in India, against the best team in the world, puts us in a conversation closer to that," he said.