‘We've matched the defending champions’: Sammy after 2-2 India T20I draw

BCCI Treasurer Raghuram Bhat presents the series trophy to India's captain Shreyas Iyer and West Indies' captain Shai Hope pose with the series trophy after the fifth and final T20I cricket match was called off due to rain, resulting in a 2-2 series draw, in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his team has taken a major step forward after drawing the five-match T20I series 2-2 against India. The final match in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain, but Sammy said the team's performances showed that the players are regaining confidence and can compete with the world's best sides.Sammy also highlighted the need for greater financial support to help West Indies cricket grow and maintain its place in international cricket.

Sammy sees confidence returning to West Indies

Sammy said West Indies had entered the series with many people doubting their chances against India. However, the players proved they could challenge the reigning T20 world champions on their home ground."It's a true reflection of how all the teams have played, especially for our guys.

I'm pretty sure when the series started, we probably didn't have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others. We would want to win because of 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,” Sammy told reporters in the post-match press conference.He added that the team's ability to match India and outperform them in certain areas showed how much progress the players had made.

“We understand what success means to us; we don't ever take for granted where we are as a team and the challenges that we face. We just look to make those strides, and I think after this series we've taken a massive step. We played against the defending champions, and we've matched them (and) in certain areas we've outplayed them, especially in their backyard,” he added.

Sammy calls for financial support

Beyond the team's results, Sammy stressed that West Indies cricket needs financial backing to secure its future.

He pointed to the sport's rich history in the Caribbean and its contribution to fans and businesses around the world.He said the team's recent performances could help attract the support needed to strengthen the regional game.“I think it's important; my mom always says you must have a care factor. No matter what you do in life, the human nature should never lose that care factor. I think we're in a position where we need somebody to put a (hand around the shoulder) of the West Indies cricket.

Financially, that is, and series like this, here in India, against the best team in the world, puts us in a conversation closer to that,” he said.Sammy also welcomed the renewed confidence and fighting spirit among his players.“All the guys in the dressing room, they've gone out there and played with intent and I think what was good to see is that the swagger is back, the confidence is back. It started during the World Cup and you could see guys enjoying, and there was a willingness to win. That's where it starts; the belief that we belong where we are, and to have the performances that says you belong there. Hopefully, right now it's just been consistent,” he added.