Dubai: West Indies skipper Darren Sammy has got over the disappointment of not being able to retain the World Twenty20 Cup following the rain-affected semi-final against Sri Lanka and is looking forward to the Indian Premier League (IPL) excitement.
Speaking to Gulf News before joining the training session for Sunrisers Hyderabad at the ICC Academy, he said: “I’ve got over it [the disappointment of World T20]. When we left home for Bangladesh, we wanted to defend our title but we could not control the weather.
“From the semi-final, god was smiling on Mahela (Jayawardene) and (Kumar) Sangakkara. Though I won’t say my prediction came true, it was nice to see Sri Lanka win the tournament. It was disappointing we were not in the final but ultimately cricket was the winner.”
Sammy, vice-captain of the Sunrisers, now wants to enjoy every moment of the IPL. “It is a great feeling to be playing IPL as it as an amazing tournament. Most players around the world look forward to be part of it. It’s being held for the first time in the UAE and I am told tickets are selling like crazy. As players, our role is to come and entertain the fans who come out to watch us,” he said.
When asked how different will it be from Twenty20 World Cup, Sammy flashed his famous smile: “It will be pretty much the same. The only difference will be the venue, but it will be the same basics and principles of the game will not change. What IPL does is players who were part of my team [in Bangladesh] will be competing against me and my teammates — who were part of the opposite team — will be now my own teammates and competing together.”
Does Sammy feel relaxed that that he is not carrying the pressure of captaincy of the West Indies team into the IPL and playing as a player only?
“There is always pressure — whether you are a captain or a player. Whether you play for the national team or franchise, you always have to go out and do well. There is pressure but it all depends on how you handle it. I enjoy the game whether I am playing for West Indies or Sunrisers. I just go out and give the best and enjoy it,” he said.
Speaking about the team, Sammy said: “The team looks a very balanced one as we have a few experienced guys, some very good internationals and Indians as well. I was talking to the coach and we are very happy with the combination of the squad we have now and are looking forward to start the tournament.
“Hopefully, everybody could gel well as we have players from all over the world and when you come into a dressing room like this, it is important to gel well. Sunrisers are known for being a family-oriented team. Last year, we developed a good chemistry with the guys we look forward to do that again.”
