Sammy sees India ODIs as test before World Cup qualifiers

West Indies coach Daren Sammy said the three-match ODI series against India will give his team a demanding test and a chance to assess its progress before February’s World Cup qualifiers, which he described as the squad’s main focus. The series was scheduled to begin September 27, with further matches on September 30 and October 3; the reports did not establish that any match had been played. Sammy said performing well against India in their home conditions would help West Indies gauge its readiness in one-day cricket and prepare for competition on the world stage. He also viewed the series as an opportunity to end a 24-year wait for an ODI series victory in India. That milestone remained a possibility, not an outcome, in his remarks before the contest. West Indies missed automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup by six points, according to Sammy. He said the team had started the qualification cycle about 19 or 20 points behind the mark and made progress, despite falling short of direct entry. The team is now preparing for the February qualifiers, where it will seek to secure a place at the tournament.