West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance after the five-match T20I series against India ended in a 2-2 draw. The fifth and final match in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain on Saturday, preventing a decisive finish to the series.
The Caribbean side had already made headlines by defeating India in the third ODI to secure a consolation victory. They carried that momentum into the T20I series, demonstrating their ability to compete against the reigning Twenty20 world champions.
Speaking after the series, Sammy said the result reflected the progress his team had made, particularly considering the expectations surrounding them before the competition began.
“I’m pretty sure when the series started, we probably didn’t have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others,” Sammy said.
Shai Hope Leads West Indies With Outstanding Batting
Captain Shai Hope played a crucial role in the West Indies’ impressive performance, scoring 261 runs across four innings with two outstanding centuries.
His consistent batting helped the visitors win the second and fourth T20Is on batting-friendly pitches. Hope’s ability to anchor the innings while maintaining an attacking approach proved decisive in helping West Indies challenge India throughout the series.
Before the contest began, West Indies had won just one of their previous seven away T20I matches against India. However, Hope’s leadership and the team’s improved batting performances helped them overcome those concerns.
The series demonstrated that West Indies could compete with the world’s leading T20I side, even in challenging away conditions.
Daren Sammy Highlights West Indies’ Progress
Sammy acknowledged that winning a T20I series in India would have been a significant achievement, particularly given the team’s previous record against the hosts.
He also emphasised that the players understood the importance of their progress and remained focused on improving their performances.
“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,” Sammy said.
He added that competing with the defending champions and outperforming them in certain areas represented a major step forward for the Caribbean side.
Sammy’s comments reflected his belief that the team’s recent performances were evidence of sustained improvement rather than an isolated result.
India Captain Praises West Indies Batting
India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the West Indies’ impressive batting performances while reflecting on his team’s shortcomings during the series.
Iyer pointed to India’s inability to take wickets at crucial moments and praised the visitors for their fearless approach at the crease.
“Credit where due, they batted phenomenally well. Kudos to Shai Hope, he was superb,” Iyer said during the presentation ceremony.
West Indies’ attacking intent and ability to build substantial partnerships placed pressure on the Indian bowling attack, allowing them to secure two victories in the series.
Shai Hope Credits Self-Belief for Batting Success
Hope attributed his strong performances to self-belief and his commitment to maintaining a consistent approach at the crease.
The West Indies captain explained that trusting his abilities and staying mentally balanced remained central to his batting philosophy.
“I still have to have self-belief. When I cross the line, I still believe I can get the job done,” Hope said.
He added that his preparation and process remained unchanged, regardless of the opposition or the pressure of the occasion.
Hope’s performances provided West Indies with the stability and confidence needed to challenge India in their own conditions.
West Indies Build on Their 2026 World Cup Performance
The competitive series against India also reinforced the West Indies’ progress following their run to the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Sammy said the team’s confidence and willingness to win had improved, with players showing greater intent and belief in their abilities.
He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the dressing room and the players’ determination to establish themselves among the leading teams in international cricket.
According to Sammy, the team’s recent performances showed that their World Cup campaign was no fluke and that they were capable of maintaining their improved standards.
The 2-2 T20I series result marks an encouraging step for West Indies as they continue to build confidence, strengthen their batting and establish greater consistency against top international opponents.