West Indies drew their five-match T20I series against India 2-2 after the fifth and final match was washed out in Bengaluru on October 18, 2026. Head coach Daren Sammy described the result as a significant achievement for the side, expressing satisfaction with the team's performance across the series.
Sammy said the scoreline was a fair reflection of the cricket player, but also acknowledged that expectations had been low heading into the tour. He said the team would have preferred to win the series outright.
"It's a true reflection of how all the teams have played, especially for our guys. I'm pretty sure when the series started, we probably didn't have a chance. But that was just the opinion of others. We would want to win. because something we've not done forever in India, so it would have been nice. I think the cup still is in our favour because we won the home leg the last time we played (in 2023) 3-2," Sammy said in the post-match press conference, as quoted by Cricinfo.
West Indies had played three previous bilateral T20I series against India in India and had lost all of them, winning just one match out of seven across those contests. The drawn series in October 2026 marked a notable shift in their away record against the hosts.
Why is this result significant for West Indies?
West Indies ran India close throughout the series, matching the defending champions in several phases of play. Sammy called the drawn result a 'massive step' towards the team's goals, noting that his side had competed against one of the strongest teams in world cricket on their own soil. He elaborated on what the series meant for the team's belief and identity.
"We understand what success means to us, we don't ever take for granted where we are as a team and the challenges that we face. We just look to make those strides, and I think after this series we've taken a massive step. We played against the defending champions and we've matched them, [and] in certain areas we've outplayed them, especially in their backyard," Sammy said.
Before this series, West Indies had beaten Sri Lanka in a T20I series at home and made the Super 8s of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India in March. Sammy pointed to a shift in the team's attitude that had been building since that tournament.
"All the guys in the dressing room, they've gone out there and played with intent and I think what was good to see is that the swagger is back, the confidence is back," he said. "It started during the World Cup and you could see guys enjoying, and there was a willingness to win. That's where it starts, the belief that we belong where we are, and to have the performances that says you belong there. Hopefully, right now it's just been consistent," Sammy said.
What is the financial backdrop to West Indies' on-field progress?
West Indies' improved performances on the field come against a difficult financial backdrop for Cricket West Indies. In September 2026, CWI announced major financial restructuring that included a 25% pay cut for contracted international players.
According to CWI CEO Chris Dehring, a key source of instability dates to 1997, when the ICC voted to change the financial model of international cricket. Under that model, host boards pocket all revenue generated by bilateral series. CWI, then known as the WICB, were outvoted by other members in that decision. The loss of touring fees removed a significant source of financial stability for boards representing smaller populations such as West Indies, and the board has faced multiple financial crises since then. Sammy referenced the CEO's remarks and spoke about the broader importance of West Indies cricket.
"You heard the CEO spoke about things that happened in 1997 that kind of has us in this situation. I've heard the stories of guys [from past West Indies teams] spending three-four months in a place touring, playing warm-up matches, spreading their talent by the way they played and the fanbase that they created, and the revenue they generated for so many people," he said.
He added that performances in India put West Indies closer to the financial conversations they need to be part of.
"I think it's important, my mom always says you must have a care factor. No matter what you do in life, the human nature should never lose that care factor. I think we're in a position where we need somebody to put a [hand around the shoulder of] West Indies cricket. Financially, that is, and series like this, here in India, against the best team in the world, puts us in a conversation closer to that," Sammy said.
