Daren Sammy challenges West Indies to end 24-year wait for series win in India

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the upcoming three-match ODI series against India offers his team a chance to end a 24-year wait for a bilateral series victory in India. The series begins in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Sammy said beating India at home would provide a benchmark for West Indies' progress ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

Sammy said winning a major ICC event requires beating India and the series gives his players an opportunity to measure themselves in the 50-over format. West Indies missed automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament and will need to navigate the qualifiers in February. The coach noted that multiple players have scored ODI hundreds alongside Shai Hope.

Sammy also highlighted the emergence of wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes, who took eight wickets in his first five ODIs. Alzarri Joseph returns after helping Antigua win the CPL title.