By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 19, 2025 | 01:40 pm
**West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy Optimistic Ahead of India Test Series**
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is optimistic about his team’s chances in the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The matches are scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad and Delhi from October 2.
### Team Composition: West Indies’ Seam Attack for India Tests
The West Indies pace attack for the Test series includes Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, and all-rounder Justin Greaves. Despite not having won a Test series in India in 42 years, Sammy is confident that his team’s bowling line-up can take 20 wickets.
“We have found ourselves in a position where our seam attack could operate in any conditions,” he said in a press conference.
### Strategy Insight: Lines and Lengths Don’t Change — Sammy
Sammy emphasized the importance of a consistent bowling strategy, saying, “the lines and lengths don’t change.” He added, “I have full confidence in that and it makes me smile knowing that we go out bowling and we take 20 wickets. And that’s the first objective in the Test match.”
The coach also drew inspiration from New Zealand’s recent success against India, highlighting the importance of adapting skills across different conditions.
### Pre-Tour Planning: Preparation for the India Tour
Sammy, who is also the coach of St Lucia Kings in CPL 2025, has spent the last six weeks working closely with Test captain Roston Chase to prepare for the India tour. They have analyzed “a lot of data” to select the “best squad” tailored for specific roles based on players’ skill sets.
From Sammy’s perspective, “the 10 days leading up to [the first] Test match [in India], we’ll be drilling in all these things,” focusing on readiness and execution.
### Team Adjustments: Changes in the West Indies Squad
The West Indies have made some major changes to their squad for the India tour. Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been dropped from the 15-man squad, while Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have been recalled.
Sammy explained that Chanderpaul’s inclusion was based on his recent form, strong numbers, and consideration of other available options for the selectors.
### Spin Strategy: Spin Attack for the India Tests
Regarding the spin department, Sammy spoke about Athanaze’s return, emphasizing that the decision was grounded in the conditions expected in India.
“We don’t just stay there and pick and pluck players from nowhere. We do a lot of information, a lot of data collected,” he said.
The West Indies’ spin attack for the India tour includes Jomel Warrican, uncapped Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase himself.
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With a carefully selected squad and clear strategies in place, West Indies looks to break the longstanding drought and challenge India on home soil in October.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/west-indies-coach-confident-of-team-s-pace-attack-against-india/story
