IND vs WI: The Indian team is currently hosting West Indies for a two-match Test series. India convincingly won the first Test within just three days, securing an innings and 140-run victory, and taking a 1-0 lead in the series, while the stark difference in performance between the two teams was evident, leading West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy to make a significant and surprising statement regarding his team's consistent decline in Test cricket, ahead of the second match to be played at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium.
'Like Cancer in the System'
During a press conference held before the Delhi Test, Daren Sammy addressed questions about his team's deteriorating performance in the format. He stated that the decline of Test cricket in the West Indies is "like a cancer that was already in the system," which began a long time ago. Sammy highlighted that there are many role models and resources available for the. Next generation in shorter formats, leading their focus to be predominantly on those formats. He also reminded everyone that the last time West Indies won a Test series in India was in 1983. "I know all eyes will be on me. We don't shy away from criticism, but the root of the problem isn't two years old. It's like cancer that was already in the system, if you don't get cancer, you know what happens. It's deeply rooted in our system," Sammy remarked.
Financial Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Sammy further elaborated that when the West Indies team was once among the best in the world, they didn't capitalize on their dominance in a practical way, unlike top teams such as India are doing today. He admitted that West Indies cricket has been struggling financially for a considerable period and needs financial assistance to move forward. This statement underscores the challenges facing West Indies cricket and their uphill battle to regain prominence in Test cricket.
