‘I choose to celebrate the legacy’ – Daren Sammy bids emotional farewell to West Indies team

Contrary to expectations, West Indies have endured a horrendous campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. Having won the title twice, the Men in Maroon were expected to set the stage on fire with the squad being studded with T20 stalwarts. However, the defending champions couldn’t perform as a unit and lost three of their first four league-stage games. As a result, they got knocked out of the semi-final race.

West Indies face Australia in their last game of the competition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. On the eve of the encounter, former Caribbean captain Daren Sammy took to Twitter and penned an emotional farewell to his team. Although the two-time winners won’t go further in the competition, Sammy said he would celebrate the legacy this team has created.

I thank you for all the great memories: Daren Sammy

“Today, win or lose I choose to celebrate the legacy that this T20 team created. West Indies were kings in this format and today brings an end to that era which I played in. The dynasty is over and I thank you for all the great memories,” Sammy wrote on Twitter while sharing a couple of pictures from West Indies’ 2012 T20 World Cup triumph.

Today, win or lose I choose to celebrate the legacy that this T20 team created. @windiescricket were kings in this format and today brings an end to that era which I played in. The dynasty is over and I thank you for all the great memories. pic.twitter.com/pA9MF6CuLr

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) November 6, 2021

Sammy, who is serving as a commentator in the ongoing competition, has been an inspirational leader for the Caribbean team. It was Sammy’s leadership only which took West Indies to T20 World Cup glory not once but twice (2012 and 2016).

It has to be noted that the Australia clash is Dwayne Bravo’s last international game. The star all-rounder made the major announcement on the eve of West Indies’ last match. This might well be the last time we see the likes of Chris Gayle, Ravi Rampaul, and Lendl Simmons in maroon. Hence, Sammy termed it the end of an era.

For the unversed, West Indies’ triumph in the 2016 T20 World Cup wasn’t a walk on the park by any means. From financial concerns to rift with the national board, the side had to undergo several hurdles. However, Daren Sammy’s men embraced the challenge and got the glory in Kolkata.