Darren Sammy perfectly embodies the happy-go-lucky nature of the Caribbean people. He remains cheerful after defeat as he does after every win. His press conferences are equally loaded with fun. The West Indies skipper spoke to the media here on Saturday, the eve of their match against India. Excerpts.
On whether India are easy opponents: You seriously ask that question? No I don’t think any team is an easy opponent. India started off on a winning note and most likely they will have a lot of confidence going into the game. We know what we are capable of doing and we have been playing some good T20 cricket and the guys are confident that we would come good once we play to our full potential.
On the balance of the side: We have top T20 players who have played around the world. We have Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo... All of them have a lot of experience playing T20. With the two openers we have guys who can give us great impetus in the first six overs.
Then we have Marlon (Samuels), Bravo and myself to finish the innings. If you look at our bowling unit, we have Narine who to me is the No 1 bowler in this format. Samuel Badree, Bravo, and we have a young guy called Krishmar Santokie who could have a great impact in this tournament. So we are happy with the balance of our side. And yes we are a very good team especially in this format.
On Raina’s take that Windies can’t rotate strike: He has a right to say what he thinks. If he thinks we are only six hitters, then stop us from hitting sixes.
On Gayle’s mindset: I am not Jesus Christ! I don’t know what’s going on in his mind but I know he is really pumped up to play here. Whenever he is playing for the West Indies he is very pumped up. And tomorrow’s game everyone will be pumped up.
On playing Badree: Spin has been a big part in T20 cricket and not just in Bangladesh. So, Badree could have a big impact. But we have not decided on the line-up but most likely Badree will be playing tomorrow.
