Sammy: PowerPlay is what separates West Indies from India

Darren Sammy said West Indies had repeatedly been made to recover after costly bowling powerplays. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy stated that PowerPlay has been the difference between his side and India this T20I series, pointing out that India had scored at nearly 14.5 runs per over in that phase, despite Windies restricting the scoring rate to below 10 in subsequent three phases.

“We have had to pull the game back every single time. That [PowerPlay] is an area we need to work on. To beat India in India, you really have to win both PowerPlays, with bat and ball,” he stated.

Sammy believes the Men in Maroon have matched India’s batting muscle so far. He referred to assistant coach Ravi Rampaul’s observation that letting the opposition hitting more fours than sixes could save two runs each time.

“We definitely out-sixed them in the last game. When you play on good batting wickets, you always feel you are in the game. You are just two big overs away from getting yourself back into it.”

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The challenge, he believes, was greater for the bowlers.

“We all understand that these are often 200-plus wickets. If 200 is a par score, you have to prevent the opposition from getting to 250.”

The 42-year-old also defended Roston Chase’s selection, saying that his discipline, tactical understanding and defensive mindset make him particularly valuable with the ball.

“I understand why I get a lot of criticism for having Roston in the team, but I understand the individual he is. Roston is naturally very disciplined in all aspects of his life. He does not like conceding runs, so he has a very clear defensive mindset. He knows how not to get hit, and he is an intelligent cricketer.”

Sammy also dismissed the idea of overdependence on Shai Hope, the batter.

“He brings calm to the middle when he is there, and perhaps some of our other players need to adapt to that calmness when the pressure is on. But he is not the only reason we win games.”