NEW DELHI, India, CMC – With several former captains by his side, including team operations manager Richie Richardson, Darren Sammy may be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed as he prepares to lead West Indies into the World Cup.
Apart from Richardson, his predecessor Chris Gayle, as well as Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and his deputy Dwayne Bravo have all served in the position, which has often been described as “a poisoned chalice”.
Sammy becomes the sixth man to lead West Indies in a World Cup, when he leads the side into their opening match against South Africa today at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
If he felt daunted by the challenge that lies ahead, he was not outwardly showing it.
“It’s a grand opportunity for anyone to lead the West Indies in a World Cup, and for history to be created,” he said.
“I love playing for West Indies, and I take pride in wearing the maroon cap. It is important that I – as the captain – go out there, and get the boys together and perform.”
He added: “Leading West Indies in a World Cup comes with great history, and legacy because we won the first two World Cups.
“But we are here in this World Cup as underdogs, yet I still feel it is an honour to be leading the side, and we will go out there and give only our best for the West Indies people.”
Sammy follows in the footsteps of Clive Lloyd (1975, 1979, 1983), Viv Richards (1987), Richardson (1991, 1996), Brian Lara (1999, 2007), and Carl Hooper (2003) in leading West Indies in the game’s showpiece event.
He will have plenty of sources on and off the field from which to gain advice, and does not feel threatened in any way.
“It’s a good thing for me, the experience they bring to the side, as a young captain,” said the 27-year-old all-rounder.
“With Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Bravo – younger players could look up to them. I think it’s a plus for me to have these guys to help me.”
He said: “I have also received messages from Sir Viv, I’ve spoken to Clive Lloyd and we have the manager, who last played for West Indies in the 1996 World Cup semi-final against Australia.
“So quite a few past players have contacted me or other players and given advice. Obviously, we will take what is said and go out and put it in our games.”
West Indies have been drawn in Group-B, where they also face the Netherlands, co-hosts Bangladesh, Ireland, England, and co-hosts India.
