Why West Indies won the World T20

The West Indies silenced their critics as they clinched the ICC World T20 title for their first ICC trophy in eight years. The spark that was missing seems to be back. So what made it possible for the Calypso Kings to rule the world once again? We list five factors for their victory:

1. The biggest factor that contributed towards West Indies winning their first ICC trophy since 2004 was the Chris Gayle factor. The biggest T20 match winner, who made an immediate impact on his return to the Windies team, was the 4th highest run getter of the tournament, with 222 runs. Gayle's return has not just made the team better dancers, but has infused tremendous self-belief as well.

2. At No 2 was the man who came back from the cricketing wilderness to become one of West Indies' biggest match-winners. Marlon Samuels single-handedly defied the Sri Lankan bowlers in the final with his smashing 78 off 56 balls to finish as the top run-getter for West Indies in the tournament.

3. The Calypso adventure would have not been possible without their inspirational skipper Darren Sammy. His appointment as captain has always been questioned, but Sammy played a big role in moulding this team. Sammy gave the motto - 'One team One people One Goal'. And it's not surprising that his team got it right, considering he embodies the age old West Indian cricketing ethos.

4. West Indies' bowling played a big role in their victory. Sunil Narine's three for nine in the final capped an impressive tournament, while Ravi Rampaul snared three for 16 in the semifinals to knock Australia out.

5. It was the moment that made them believe - 'YES WE CAN'. A super over win in the super eights vs New Zealand not only knocked the kiwis out but made the gangman gang take a huge step towards their 3rd World Cup win.