West Indies are gearing up for a historic challenge in India where they haven't won a Test in more than two decades. Their last win against India dates back to 2002 while their most recent win on Indian soil was as far back as the 1983-84 series.
With a two-Test tour starting in early October, head coach Daren Sammy has been trying to shift the team's mindset. He urged his players to believe they can compete in conditions where visiting sides rarely succeed.
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Sammy points to New Zealand's clean sweep in India
Speaking to reporters, Sammy said his team is taking inspiration from New Zealand's landmark 3-0 series win over India last year - which was the first-ever clean sweep of its kind against the hosts.
"From my end, the ten days leading up to the first Test in India, we'll be drilling in all these things and planning very well as to how we're going to beat India in India,” Sammy said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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"We're definitely going down there with the mindset to win. New Zealand went there and did incredibly well, and we should take inspiration from that," he added.
The West Indies coach stressed that his side would study the strategies used by the Black Caps - particularly in how they prepared for spin conditions and managed game situations.
While spin often dominates in India, Sammy believes West Indies' fast bowlers can play a decisive role. He highlighted the variety in their attack which includes Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph - each bringing different skills to the table.
"If you can't take 20 wickets in India, you're on the back foot. We have a bowling line-up that can do that, especially from the seam department," he added.
India tour begins October 2
The series will begin on October 2 with matches scheduled in Ahmedabad and Delhi. For West Indies, it's not only about breaking a long drought but also about proving they can carry forward the self-belief Sammy is trying to instill.