KOLKATA: West Indies are sure to draw inspiration from their 2016 triumph when they take on India in a must-win Super Eights match at Eden Gardens here on Sunday. On 3 April 2016, they beat England at this venue to win the T20 World Cup.
A decade on, they may not be as strong, but they showed glimpses of brilliance before facing South Africa.The common thread that remains between the 2016 team and this team is Darren Sammy. The current West Indies coach was the captain at that time. “It is a special feeling for me,” Sami said upon his return to Aden. He may have wanted to relive this moment of victory, but this time India seems to have all the winning cards.
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The 2016 team had a lot of charismatic players. Aside from Sammy himself, there was Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and Marlon Samuels. This time also they have some very talented players, who can perform well, such as Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmer,
Jason Holder
. However, they are nowhere near the Class of 2016.The West Indies had shown their prowess in the league stage, but apart from England, their opponents were the Associated Nations who had yet to find a foothold in the game. Even England were well below par. The reality was tested against South Africa and there West Indies came miles close.The only advantage they have is that they have played two matches here during the tournament, while India is coming here for the first time.
The last time India played here was the Test match against South Africa in October last year, and they were left in second place. But then, white-ball cricket is a different game and India is the leader in it.The wicket this time has a green tinge, in contrast to the dry surface of the South African Test. Kolkata is as much home to India as Mumbai or Ahmedabad. Behind them was a large crowd of people
Suryakumar Yadav
Adrenaline would flow through his veins more than Sammy’s.