Defying a string of recent disappointing performances, West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy is projecting unwavering confidence in his squad’s capability to clinch a historic third ICC T20 World Cup title. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka, will see the Caribbean side enter as perceived underdogs.
The selected 15-man roster, confirmed by Cricket West Indies, guarantees continued Jamaican representation at the T20 World Cup for the tenth consecutive edition. Batsmen Rovman Powell and Brandon King, both named to the squad, will be making their third successive appearance at the global showpiece. This achievement places them among an elite group of Jamaicans, including legends Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, who have featured in multiple tournaments.
Current form, however, presents a significant challenge. The team arrives on the heels of a 2-1 series defeat to Afghanistan, compounding a dismal run that includes recent losses to New Zealand, England, Australia, Pakistan, and even Nepal throughout 2025. This follows an early quarterfinal exit on home soil in the previous World Cup and series defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka late in 2024.
Despite this adverse trajectory, Coach Sammy’s optimism is palpable. He draws direct parallels between the current team’s composition and the victorious 2016 squad he captained to glory in India. Sammy highlighted the immense firepower within the group, pointing to players like Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, and a deep roster of all-rounders as sources of his belief.
“The realistic point is we can win it and I believe so,” Sammy asserted. He acknowledged the external skepticism but emphasized a powerful, unified energy within the camp during their final preparations in Johannesburg. For Sammy, the mission is singular: “When we board that plane from Johannesburg to India, we are going out there to play a tournament to win. That’s the only focus on our mind.”
The West Indies commence their Group C campaign against Scotland on February 7, followed by crucial matches against England, Nepal, and Italy. The top two teams will progress to the Super 8 stage, where the Windies hope their quiet confidence transforms into a spectacular upset.