‘KILLER INSTINCT’
Sammy: Winning mentality crucial for Windies in India
West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes the key to competing against India in their upcoming Test series lies in mindset, insisting his squad must go into the series with a winning attitude despite the team’s long-standing struggles on subcontinental soil.“Let’s not take it for granted. India is very difficult to beat at home. We are aware of that. But like I told the guys in our little squad meeting (Saturday), the mindset determines the skill set,” Sammy said, adding that players must believe they can win rather than be intimidated by history.
Arriving in India, where the West Indies have not won a series in more than four decades, Sammy said the team has already begun recovery and preparation work after a long travel journey.“Yes, it’s good to be in India… just arriving here, the facilities, everything, I would be motivated to actually train here. And I’m pretty sure the guys are, you know, after a long travel journey, it’s important right away to start the recovery process for us to be able to start the work,” he explained.
Sammy revealed that the squad has been engaged in skill-focused sessions to adjust to Indian conditions and prepare for the specific challenges posed by spin and pace on the subcontinent.Sammy also addressed key areas of focus for both batting and bowling. “The opening spot remains crucial, with Tage (Tagnarine Chanderpaul) seen as a candidate to provide solidity at the top, while the return of batsman Alick (Athanaze) offers technical skill against spin and pace, vital in Asian conditions.
Sammy: Winning mentality crucial for Windies in India
West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes the key to competing against India in their upcoming Test series lies in mindset, insisting his squad must go into the series with a winning attitude despite the team’s long-standing struggles on subcontinental soil.“Let’s not take it for granted. India is very difficult to beat at home. We are aware of that. But like I told the guys in our little squad meeting (Saturday), the mindset determines the skill set,” Sammy said, adding that players must believe they can win rather than be intimidated by history.
Arriving in India, where the West Indies have not won a series in more than four decades, Sammy said the team has already begun recovery and preparation work after a long travel journey.“Yes, it’s good to be in India… just arriving here, the facilities, everything, I would be motivated to actually train here. And I’m pretty sure the guys are, you know, after a long travel journey, it’s important right away to start the recovery process for us to be able to start the work,” he explained.
Sammy revealed that the squad has been engaged in skill-focused sessions to adjust to Indian conditions and prepare for the specific challenges posed by spin and pace on the subcontinent.Sammy also addressed key areas of focus for both batting and bowling. “The opening spot remains crucial, with Tage (Tagnarine Chanderpaul) seen as a candidate to provide solidity at the top, while the return of batsman Alick (Athanaze) offers technical skill against spin and pace, vital in Asian conditions.
