Daren Sammy confident of West Indies’s seam attack in India
**West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy Optimistic Ahead of India Test Series**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 19, 2025, 01:40 PM*
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is optimistic about his team’s prospects in the upcoming two-match Test series against India. Scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad and Delhi from October 2, the series presents a significant challenge for the visitors.
### Team Composition: West Indies’ Seam Attack for India Tests
The West Indies pace attack for the Test series comprises Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, and all-rounder Justin Greaves. Despite the team not having won a Test series in India for 42 years, Sammy remains confident in his bowling line-up’s ability to make an impact.
Sammy said in a recent press conference, “We have found ourselves in a position where our seam attack could operate in any conditions.” He added that the attack possesses “the variety” needed to “pick 20 wickets,” which is crucial for success in Tests.
### Strategy Insight: Lines and Lengths Don’t Change, Says Sammy
Emphasizing a consistent bowling strategy, Sammy stated, “The lines and lengths don’t change.” He expressed full confidence in this approach, noting, “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.”
Sammy also drew inspiration from New Zealand’s recent success against India, indicating that West Indies aims to adopt similar tactical discipline.
### Pre-Tour Planning: Preparation for the India Tour
In preparation for the challenging tour, Sammy—who also coaches the St Lucia Kings in CPL 2025—has spent the last six weeks working closely with Test captain Roston Chase. Together, they have analyzed extensive 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 will be crucial. “We’ll be drilling in all these things,” he said, highlighting the focused training planned before the series opener.
### Team Adjustments: Changes in the West Indies Squad
The West Indies have made notable 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, statistical performance, and the range of options available to selectors. Regarding Athanaze’s return, Sammy emphasized the importance of adapting to match conditions.
### Spin Strategy: Spin Attack for the India Tests
The spin department for the tour features Jomel Warrican, uncapped Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase himself. On selecting his spin attack, Sammy said, “We don’t just stay there and just pick and pluck players from nowhere. We do a lot of information, a lot of data collected,” demonstrating a methodical approach to squad selection.
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With a solid blend of pace and spin, and a carefully selected squad, the West Indies enter the India series with renewed confidence and a clear strategy. Cricket fans will be watching closely to see if Sammy’s optimism translates into success on Indian soil after more than four decades.
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