IND vs WI Super 8s: 'David can beat Goliath again' - Darren Sammy

Kolkata, 22 June – Darren Sammy strode to the Eden Gardens outfield on Saturday evening, arms folded, eyes scanning the stands that once erupted for his every boundary. Two years after West Indies stunned India in the 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal, the Caribbean coach believes lightning can strike twice when the sides meet in Monday’s Super 8s showdown.

“History could repeat itself,” Sammy said, recalling the Mumbai night when his team ended India’s title defence. “Although it was a different venue and it’s two different teams, David did defeat Goliath in 2016. David can beat Goliath again and that’s what I am going to tell my boys.”

The 40-year-old, never shy of a biblical analogy, conceded the task is steep. India will have 70,000 vocal supporters inside the ground and an estimated 1.4 billion rallying behind television screens. “We’ve got to play a good game of cricket in order to come out victorious,” he admitted, stressing flawless execution in all three departments.

Sammy dismissed any hangover from West Indies’ recent loss to South Africa, labelling it “one bad day” the squad has already parked. Instead, he is drawing on the 2016 memories that flood back every time the team bus turns into the Eden Gardens gates. “Every time we come here, it brings back good memories,” he said, the gentle smile widening.

With progression to the knockout stage on the line, the former all-rounder knows the crossroads moment has arrived. “We had to go through India some point to progress in the tournament and tomorrow is that day.”

For the West Indies, the message is simple: embrace the underdog tag, swing freely, and believe the giant can fall once more.