5 facts about Darren Sammy that you probably didn't know
He has quoted that he grew up watching former legendary West Indian batsmen, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, play at their pomp. His wife told him that he’s the most famous cricketer in the West Indies region. And yet, despite winning the ICC World T20 twice for the West Indies and still not being picked for the subsequent summer blast; IPL 2016, one simply doesn’t ignore Darren Sammy.
The West Indies captain of the current resurgent and jubilant T20 side, has emerged to be an iconic figure in contemporary cricket culture in the Caribbean. A competitive player, an athletic, agile all-rounder and an ever smiling man, there many shades to the charismatic Windies captain Darren Sammy that meet the eye.
Currently in India during the 9th edition of the successful IPL and finding his way in the comfort of the air-conditioned commentary box, Sammy’s relaxed persona is only a temporary friendly façade of his burning desire to hone his cricketing craft, something that he cultivates within.
We bring you 5 unknown facts about the inspirational leader from the West Indies:
His inspiration is his current West Indies side
When Sammy, 32, was made the captain of an embattled West Indian Test side way back in 2011, many feared that it might bring the “Sammy vs Gayle” debate to the forefront. Chris Gayle’s captaincy didn’t inspire any particular successes for the side, save for some memorable batting onslaughts the Caribbean side produced in their 2010 tour to Australia.
Gayle was asked to step down and Sammy, then a rising player in a Caribbean side, was brought in as captain.
But, using his brilliant inter-personal skills and measured communication, Sammy quickly became the glue that got all together. The West Indies limited overs team, with stars like Dwayne Bravo, Gayle and Marlon Samuels came together like a house on fire and much of the team’s inspired limited over performances and T20 smashing came at the behest of Sammy’s sharp leadership.
It is no surprise, therefore, that Sammy’s favourite stars are members of his current West Indies side - the likes of Bravo and Gayle being hailed by their captain as inseparable icons of West Indies’ ongoing resurgence in world cricket.