West Indies head coach says off-field uncertainty has affected the squad’s morale, while urging his bowlers to become more disciplined against India’s powerful batting line-up
New Chandigarh, Oct 2026 : West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed disappointment over Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) proposed 25 per cent reduction in central contract payments, saying the timing of the development, just before a major series against India, was far from ideal for the players.
Speaking ahead of the third ODI against India, Sammy acknowledged that financial uncertainty was an unwelcome distraction for a team preparing to face one of the strongest sides in world cricket. However, he praised his players for maintaining their focus despite the situation.
“I mean, look, as a professional, that’s not what you want to hear before a series,” Sammy said during the pre-match press conference.
The former West Indies captain recalled that he had earlier told his players there was no better opportunity than playing India to enhance their individual and collective standing.
“Before the pay cuts, I said, there is no better time to play India. You win against the best team, you get some leverage, not only for the West Indies as a whole, but for you personally,” he said.
Sammy added that strong performances against India could have benefits for the players in the future and commended the squad for continuing to work hard despite results not going their way.
“Performing against India pays you back down the road. We try our best to put that there. I commend the guys for the way they put their heads down. Yes, the results have not gone our way. But we keep improving in certain areas,” he said.
Assessing West Indies’ performance during the ODI leg of the tour, Sammy highlighted the positive approach of his top-order batters. He noted that four West Indies batters had scored centuries across the first two matches, which he regarded as evidence of progress.
“Intent is something that we’ve spoken about in the dressing room. We have had four batters scoring 100s in two games. It is a positive for us,” Sammy said.
He identified strike rotation and positive intent, particularly against spin bowling, as key indicators for the batting group. At the same time, he acknowledged that the bowling attack needed to improve its discipline, particularly when playing on pitches offering limited assistance.
Sammy also reflected on the second ODI in Guwahati, where West Indies posted 406 but saw India chase down the target with remarkable ease. He believed his team had an opportunity to set an even bigger total after reaching a strong position at the 30-over mark.
“At 30 overs we were 230-odd. So you were looking at 450 thereabouts. But the last 10 overs we only scored 70-odd runs, when it’s a time when you’re supposed to accelerate the innings,” he said.
India ultimately completed the chase in 43.3 overs, powered by a record-breaking opening partnership between captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Gill struck an unbeaten 223, while Rohit scored 101, with the pair adding 255 runs for the first wicket.
Sammy said West Indies had hoped that crossing the 400-run mark would give their bowlers an opportunity to put India under pressure, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs.
“When we came in at 400, and you’re looking at all the stats, you say India has never chased 400 before,” he said, adding that the West Indies needed early wickets to create pressure.
However, the coach admitted that the Indian opening pair gave his bowlers virtually no opportunity to build momentum.
“Shubman and Rohit didn’t really give a chance. The way they batted, both of them,” Sammy said.
He pointed out that Rohit reached his century from around 70 balls, while Gill scored even faster, leaving the West Indies attack with little margin for error.
Sammy said such performances also highlighted the extraordinary demands placed on bowlers on high-scoring pitches. He suggested that, in certain conditions, players may need to produce substantially bigger individual contributions to match the demands of the contest.
Looking ahead, the West Indies coach stressed the need for greater consistency in bowling plans, particularly through disciplined lines and lengths.
The third ODI therefore presents another opportunity for West Indies to translate their improved batting intent into a more complete performance, while attempting to contain India’s formidable batting line-up.
