Daren Sammy Cites Team Growth as West Indies Players Face 25% Pay Cut
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is maintaining a defiant outlook on his team’s development despite a 2-0 series deficit in India. His assessment follows a second ODI in Guwahati that saw the West Indies reach a significant statistical milestone even as they failed to secure the win.
In that contest, the West Indies posted 405/7, marking the first time in the team’s history they have surpassed 400 runs in a Men’s ODI. The total was built on centuries from Sherfane Campbell, Shai Hope, and Amir Jangoo. However, India chased the target down to finish at 406/2, anchored by Shubman Gill’s 223 off 133 balls. Gill’s innings set a new world record for the fastest double-century in ODI history, allowing India to clinch the series with one game to spare.
The West Indies reached a milestone 405/7 in the second ODI, their highest-ever total in the format.
“Results have not gone our way, but we continue to improve and gain valuable experience,” Sammy stated. He noted that while the primary objective of winning series remains unfulfilled, the team is making strides toward the February 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Financial Headwinds and Squad Morale
The performance on the field is taking place against a backdrop of financial uncertainty for the visiting squad. On the eve of the tour, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 25 percent reduction in retainer fees for the players. Sammy acknowledged that the pay cuts have presented a challenge to squad morale, requiring the coaching staff to manage off-field distractions while maintaining focus on high-stakes international cricket.
From an analytical perspective, the West Indies’ ability to generate a 400-plus total suggests a significant evolution in their batting depth and aggression. However, the ease with which India completed the second-highest successful run-chase in history highlights ongoing concerns regarding the West Indies’ bowling execution on batting-friendly surfaces.
The series concludes on October 3, 2026, at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. For Sammy’s side, the final match represents a last opportunity to salvage a result from the tour and validate the “improvement” narrative before shifting focus to the upcoming qualifying cycle.
