TAROUBA, Trinidad – Contemporary from orchestrating one of the crucial important victories in latest West Indies cricket historical past, head coach Daren Sammy made it clear he’s tuning out the detractors.
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The Caribbean aspect’s crushing 202-run victory over Pakistan within the decisive third One-Day Worldwide (ODI) on Tuesday not solely secured a 2-1 collection win but in addition shattered a 34-year drought in opposition to their Asian rivals. It marked their first dwelling ODI collection victory over Pakistan since 1988 and their first collection win of 2025.
But, the achievement comes within the shadow of a tough begin to the 12 months—one which noticed the West Indies swept 3-0 by England in each ODIs and T20Is, trounced by Australia in Assessments and T20Is, and edged 2-1 by Pakistan within the T20I collection.
The string of defeats ignited a storm of criticism, together with calls from former West Indies greats for Sammy’s dismissal.
Eyes on the objective, not the detractors
In a post-match press convention, Sammy was unfazed.
“I do know what I’m making an attempt to do, what we, as a group, the objective we set out for ourselves,” Sammy stated. “I don’t equate one individual or a pair individuals who’ve a platform speaking about West Indies cricket because the opinions of all these followers you see popping out to observe. You see what a victory does for the West Indian individuals.”
He pointed to the 1000’s within the stands—followers with out social media megaphones however whose loyalty is steadfast—as proof of the group’s enduring help.
“For me, understanding the aim, understanding why I’m right here, why my group is right here; and we put our heads down and are available every single day and attempt to put in an sincere day’s work,” he continued. “I’ve by no means really been one to take heed to noise… every little thing I’ve carried out early in my profession has ready me for this.”
Constructing for the lengthy sport
Whereas Sammy has clear ambitions for West Indies cricket, he was candid concerning the challenges and timelines concerned.
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“The truth of West Indies cricket is, we have been quantity 10 on this planet in ODI cricket. We’ve been quantity eight in Take a look at cricket for donkey-odd years. If anyone anticipated a brand new coach… to work miracles, then Jesus could be coming tomorrow, however that’s not going to occur,” he quipped.
As an alternative, Sammy is inserting his religion in a structured plan, endurance, and constant laborious work, noting that success would require cooperation from all ranges of the game.
“What we are able to do with the flexibility and expertise that we now have is figure the most effective that we are able to, and that’s what we’re out right here doing.”
