T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy strengthen belief in the team after not making to Super 12 in T20 World Cup 2022. Let's discuss Daren Sammy role more in detail.
West Indies are the first team to win two T20 World Cups. Their newly appointed coach, Daren Sammy, is the only player to have captained the team to both victories. They have begun their T20 World Cup campaign and are embarking on a revival tour in T20 cricket.
The team ended the group stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 unbeaten with four wins in four games, proving themselves to be strong contenders for the trophy. However, the team has not started well in the Super Eights, as they lost to England in Saint Lucia on June 20.
‘Coach’ Daren Sammy
Much of the credit for the revival of West Indies goes to the coach of the side, Daren Sammy. Under the leadership of Sammy, the Windies are aiming for a comeback. Sammy, who captained the team to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, brings his winning expertise as the team’s coach.
The co-hosts are eager to move past the disappointment of failing to qualify for last year’s 50-over World Cup. The once-dominant West Indies, winners of the first two editions of the 50-over World Cup, faced the unprecedented disappointment of missing out on the 2023 tournament in India.
Appointed as the limited-overs coach in May last year, Sammy took over after Phil Simmons resigned following the team’s early exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Sammy, now 40, is determined to lead the West Indies back to the pinnacle of world cricket, focusing on bolstering the team’s bowling performance to leverage their home advantage.
Sammy Bringing Out Potential
The appointment of Daren Sammy as head coach has marked a significant turning point for the West Indies T20 cricket team. His leadership, rooted in an excellent understanding of the game and an infectious spirit of collective responsibility, has revitalised a side known for its rich history and explosive talent.
Under his guidance, the West Indies have not only showcased their potential in the ongoing T20 World Cup but have also developed a renewed sense of belief and unity. Sammy’s influence is evident in the team’s approach to the game. He has instilled a spirit of collective responsibility, reminiscent of the ethos that powered their twin T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016.
Read More: T20 WC 2024: West Indies bowling attack lacks killer instinct; gets shown the door against England
Individual Match-Winners
This collective mindset has allowed the team to harness the strengths of individual match-winners like Andre Russell, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles, Sherfane Rutherford and Nicholas Pooran. Each of these players has stepped up at crucial moments, demonstrating their faith in each other's abilities and a shared commitment to the team's success.
The range of match-winning performances under Sammy’s tenure showcases this collective spirit. Andre Russell's blistering 71 off 29 balls against Australia, Brandon King's composed 79 from 45 deliveries against South Africa and Sherfane Rutherford's resilient 68 not out against New Zealand exemplify the team's depth and versatility. Nicholas Pooran's explosive 98 from 53 balls against Afghanistan further highlights the batting lineup’s capacity to deliver under pressure.
Daren Sammy’s Mindset
These performances are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of individual brilliance contributing to the team's overall success. Despite a setback in the Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 against England, where the West Indies fell short with a modest batting display, Sammy’s response showcased his leadership qualities. He urged his players to "put this game into the garbage bin" and focus on the upcoming matches against the USA and South Africa.
Shaping Team’s Tactics
Sammy’s strategic insights have also played a crucial role in shaping the team’s tactics. He has emphasised the importance of rotating the strike, especially against spin, leading to significant improvements in the middle overs. According to Sammy, the team has increased its scoring rate from around 6.5 runs per over to almost 8.5 runs per over during the crucial middle phases of the game. This strategic shift has been pivotal in the team’s rise in the rankings and their ability to post competitive totals consistently.
Furthermore, Sammy has been instrumental in integrating experienced players like Andre Russell back into the squad. Russell’s return to the West Indies side has been a masterstroke, adding invaluable experience and leadership to the team.
Sammy’s collaboration with assistant coach James Franklin and other support staff has ensured that the bowlers are well-prepared and can execute their plans effectively. This attention to detail has been crucial in helping the bowlers adapt to different conditions and deliver under pressure.
Sammy’s Philosophy
Sammy’s philosophy on team composition and the role of players in T20 cricket is also noteworthy. He accepted the fact that the team has more match winners with the bat than in the bowling department. He put these things in the minds of his players including the captain, asking them for 20-25 more runs than the par score. With plenty of all-rounders in the lineup, he wants them to step in and do the assigned job. This approach has fostered a sense of accountability and self-belief among the players, who are encouraged to make significant contributions in various roles.
Moreover, Sammy recognises the importance of having an anchor batter in T20 cricket. He refers to this role as the "glue" that holds the innings together amidst the chaos of power-hitting. Players like Roston Chase and Shai Hope have been identified as key figures who can provide stability and ensure a balanced approach, allowing the more aggressive batters to play freely.
Sammy’s ability to keep the team's morale high, even after a disappointing performance, reflects his understanding of the highs and lows of competitive sport. His message was clear: one loss does not define their tournament, and the team’s destiny remains in their hands.
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