West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is maintaining a public stance of progression for his side despite arriving in New Chandigarh trailing 2-0 in the three-match series against India. The visitors are currently managing a period of financial friction following the announcement of a 25% pay cut to player retainer fees shortly before the tour commenced.
India secured an unassailable lead after victories in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. In the second ODI, India achieved the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, reaching a target of 406 in 43.3 overs. The chase was led by an unbeaten 223* from Shubman Gill, which highlighted the bowling difficulties the West Indian attack has faced throughout the series.
The timing of the pay cuts has remained a focal point for the squad’s environment. Sammy admitted that receiving news of the reduction to retainer fees just before the series opener was not ideal. “As a professional, that’s not what you want to hear before a series. But again, it’s no secret to me,” Sammy said.
Squad availability has been further impacted by injuries as the team seeks to avoid a series sweep. Opening batter Justin Greaves is ruled out of the final ODI as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained during the first match in Thiruvananthapuram. His absence leaves the West Indies to reshuffle a batting lineup that has shown high-scoring potential but lacked the stability to defend large totals.
India will also make at least one change for the New Chandigarh fixture. Pacer Prasidh Krishna is sidelined with a left hamstring injury. National selectors have named Anshul Kamboj as his replacement for the final match, providing India with a fresh pace option after already securing the series trophy.
Sammy’s optimism is grounded in the team’s ability to post scores in excess of 400, yet the inability to defend such a total in Guwahati remains a significant hurdle. The final match on October 3rd serves as the last opportunity for the West Indies to balance their resurgent batting form with a more disciplined bowling performance before the five-match T20I series begins.
