The West Indies take on England in the T20 World Cup 2026 on 11 January at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Fans are eager to see whether the Caribbean side can overcome its recent struggles. In their last 11 T20Is, West Indies won only three matches, including a narrow win over Scotland. Many observers note that this squad is a shadow of the dominant team led by Daren Sammy in 2016.
Daren Sammy Steps In as Head Coach
Daren Sammy, the former T20 World Cup-winning captain, now serves as head coach of West Indies. He faces the tough task of rebuilding confidence and instilling a winning mindset. During a pre-match press conference, Sammy acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic.
“There are still issues. It’s the West Indies — we always have challenges. But as head coach, I focus on creating an environment that brings out the West Indies spirit,” he said. “We play for the crest, for the badge, and to entertain our fans. That is what we aim to pass on to the next generation.”
Reflecting on Past Glory
Sammy’s leadership experience remains unmatched. He played 14 T20Is against England and won 10. Since his retirement, West Indies has only claimed eight wins out of 24 matches against England. Sammy drew strength from his past, recalling the 2016 T20 World Cup triumph.
“2016 was special, not only for the men’s team but also for the women and Under-19 squads. We faced challenges then, and we face them now. Still, we focus on what we can control: dedication, resilience, and execution on the field,” he explained.
Mumbai Has Been Kind to West Indies
Sammy highlighted the significance of Wankhede Stadium. “Mumbai has been kind to us in previous World Cups. When we trust our process and put everything together, we become a competitive team,” he said. “Tomorrow, England is ahead on paper, but we will focus on our game and deliver a strong performance.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The West Indies team blends experience with youthful energy. Sammy emphasized that the goal extends beyond winning matches. “Many people focus on our issues, but our group has confidence. We aim to play a brand of cricket that can inspire the next generation. One game at a time, we want to show our spirit and flair.”
Fans hope that under Daren Sammy’s coaching, West Indies can recapture the magic of past World Cups. The team promises a game full of fight, flair, and Caribbean pride against a strong English side.
