Still think I have something to offer to West Indies cricket: Sammy

CHENNAI: Darren Sammy may not have got a game in the IPL this season, but the jovial West Indian - who was part of the Kings XI Punjab squad -continues to maintain the energy and charisma that has made him one of the most loved characters in the cricketing world. In a chat with TOI, the former West Indies skipper spoke on the current state of the game in the Caribbean, his motto in life and more.
Excerpts:
You were part of the Punjab side but didn’t get a game. How tough is it to be sitting out?
Obviously, when you go and play in any tournament, you want to have an impact - whether it is on or off the field. I have not got opportunities to play which is disappointing. But at the end of the day, I’ve always been a team man, and the coaches and captain select what they think is the best combination.
You form a bond with every player you play along with. Is it a trait you have inculcated over the years?
I think it’s just the character I have. To be frank, my mother raised me to be that person. I’ve always been a people’s person and love to keep people around me happy. The most important thing is that I’m a happy soul and I don’t really let things bother me. My motto has always been ‘Hakuna Matata’ which means no worries.
Do you miss being part of the West Indies cricket and do you hope to be back in the national side?
International cricket is where I started. My love for West Indies will always be there. But I can’t control what is going on right now. I think I’ve contributed to West Indies cricket and I still think I have something to offer. It’s not something that I am going to be chasing right now. I’ve accepted it and I’ll continue to render my services if needed.
You are someone who contributes to all three facets of the game in T20s. How fearless does a player have to be in this format?
I always feel T20 cricket is not complicated. In T20s, every ball is an event. It is a hundred and twenty balls of momentum shifts. You must be able to absorb pressure and at the same time give it back to the opposition as well. That’s the beauty of T20 cricket, and as a cricketer, you must be positive. There is no room for indecisiveness. You’ve got to be positive in your approach - whether you’re going for a catch, bowling or batting. The mindset has to be right.
Do you feel this fearlessness is what makes West Indies players stand out in a tournament such as the IPL?
We’ve always enjoyed playing fearless and an entertaining brand of cricket. Before Twenty20s came out, we always played cricket like that. When this format came out, there was no surprise that Chris Gayle became the leading run-scorer in it as he is one of the most entertaining batsmen in that format. But over the years, we have seen that it’s just not about hitting sixes and fours. You see touch players scoring hundreds in T20s and it is good for the game. But yes, this format suits the cricketers we have in the Caribbean.
You play T20s across the world. How tough is it for you to be away from your family?
Being away from the family is the toughest part of playing in different leagues. I personally find it very difficult to leave home and my kids. The last time I came home, my daughter told me not to get on a plane again. But at the end of the day, you must understand that you are doing the sacrifices now to make sure that your family is secure in the future. One thing I know is that you can never replace the time lost away from the family. That’s the downside in the life of a sportsman. Having said that, in my next life, I would still come back as a cricketer and try to be the way I have been this time.
How does that leave you in terms of preparation since you play in Australia, India, Bangladesh and in the Caribbean leagues?
I think it comes with the right mindset. You know, every country and conditions are different. Playing in India is different to playing in Dubai or in Australia. But, you’ve got to be that man who comes in and makes an impact right away. It could be challenging, but as a professional it’s a test of your character, your technique and how you adapt to different conditions and perform to the best of your abilities.
Who do you think is the favourite for the upcoming Champions Trophy?
West Indies is not part of the Champions Trophy (as they failed to qualify). For me, I will just be watching cricket.