By Chalien Dantes

Daren Sammy has always carried one clear mindset: play to win. 

A decade ago, when the West Indies faced turmoil on and off the field, Sammy rallied his squad with the famous rallying cry that they were in it to win it. Weeks later, Carlos Brathwaite blasted four straight sixes off Ben Stokes at Eden Gardens, sealing one of cricket’s most unforgettable finals. Now, the former captain has returned to the same historic venue, this time as coach, hoping to spark another unforgettable chapter.

The West Indies remain the only team to capture back-to-back T20 World Cup titles, and their fearless batting style became a global favourite during the 2010s. While the squad boasted some of the biggest names in the sport, Sammy’s influence ran deeper than statistics.

He brought belief to a fractured dressing room and helped reshape the identity of West Indies cricket during a period when unity felt out of reach.

When Sammy took over as captain in 2010, many questioned the decision. He was not the flashiest player, nor did his numbers match the powerhouse hitters around him. As a steady all-rounder who often batted lower down the order, critics doubted whether he could guide such a star-filled lineup. Time, however, proved that the team needed someone who could bring players together and lift morale. Sammy became that steady voice and emotional anchor.

Even years after that famous triumph, West Indies cricket continues to face challenges. Financial struggles remain a concern, and several players still favour lucrative franchise leagues over central contracts. Sammy has never shied away from addressing these realities, speaking openly about the need for better financial support and stronger planning to help West Indies cricket grow and remain competitive on the world stage.

Before stepping into the coaching role, Sammy served as an independent director on the Cricket West Indies board, where he pushed for transparency and stronger leadership. Now, his biggest test lies in guiding the current squad back to glory, much like he did as captain.

The present West Indies lineup still carries plenty of firepower. Players like Roston Chase, Jason Holder, and Gudakesh Motie offer a balanced mix of pace and spin. The opening partnership of Johnson Charles and Shai Hope remains a promising option, while Shimron Hetmyer’s experience in franchise cricket adds stability near the top of the order.

What continues to define the West Indies is their explosive batting strength. Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, and Holder bring relentless power through the middle overs, capable of changing matches within moments.

Sammy’s biggest strength may once again be his leadership style. During his captaincy, he created an environment where big personalities such as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Sunil Narine thrived together.