Shai Hope has been West Indies’ best player on their tour of India. In five matches so far, he has scored 432 runs. That includes three ODIs and two T20Is. He has made three centuries and one fifty in that stretch.
He scored 162 not out in the third ODI in New Chandigarh. He also scored 102 not out in the second T20I in Ranchi. Both times, he hit the winning runs. Both innings helped West Indies complete their highest successful chases in each format. They chased 352 in the ODI and 250 in the T20I.
The Ranchi knock may mean a little more. It was his first century in T20 internationals. That is always a special moment for a player.
Roston Chase spoke about Hope after the match. He said people underrate Hope a lot. He said Hope can block out noise and focus on his job. Even when things are going wrong, Hope keeps giving his best. Chase also said Hope is an ultimate professional. He tries to tick every box and do the right things.
Chase said Hope has worked hard on his power game. He has done a lot of gym work to get stronger. He also practises range hitting. That helps him get into good positions to hit boundaries. Chase said people play down Hope’s T20 record. They say he bats too slowly or bats for himself. But Chase is always happy when Hope does well.
How Shai Hope Is Changing West Indies Cricket
Shai Hope has been leading West Indies in both ODIs and T20Is for a while now. His team has not become a world-beater overnight. But there are clear signs of progress. That progress comes from three main areas: Hope’s own batting, a shift in how the team approaches its innings, and the influence of coach Daren Sammy.
Hope Leads With His Bat
The most obvious change is Hope himself. He is scoring runs at a remarkable rate. On the recent tour of India, he was the best batter on either side. He played five matches across the two white-ball formats. He scored 432 runs in total.
Two of those innings were special. In the third ODI, he made 162 not out. That helped West Indies chase down 352. It was their highest successful chase in ODI history. In the second T20I, he smashed 102 not out off just 45 balls. West Indies chased down 250. That was their highest successful T20I chase.
Hope also showed great stamina. In that third ODI, he kept wickets for 50 overs. Then he batted through the entire chase without getting out. Even though West Indies had already lost the series, he did not give up. That kind of effort earns respect.
Coach Daren Sammy has said Hope is a quiet leader. He does not talk a lot. But when he does speak, he is clear about what he wants. Sammy feels Hope leads by doing rather than by talking. That style has worked well for the team.
A New Batting Approach
West Indies cricket has always been known for power hitting. Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell are examples of that style. Hope is different. He bats with more control. He relies on timing and placement. He does not slog wildly. He tries to minimise dot balls. That keeps the scoreboard moving.
Hope has also worked on his power game. Roston Chase said Hope has done a lot of gym work. He also practises range hitting. That helps him get into strong positions. As a result, Hope’s T20I strike rate is now 138.07. That is higher than many more explosive players, including Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard.
Hope has learned from other greats too. He credits MS Dhoni for helping him think about chases. Dhoni told him that you always have more time than you think. So you should focus on the process, not the result. Hope has taken that advice to heart.
The Team Is Improving
West Indies have not been consistent. But there are good signs. The team have pulled off some historic chases. The 352-run chase in the ODI series and the 250-run chase in the T20I series were both record-breaking. Those wins show the team now believes it can chase big totals.
In August 2025, West Indies won an ODI series against Pakistan. They won 2-1. It was their first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years. Hope scored an unbeaten 120 in the deciding match.
Hope has also broken a record held by Brian Lara. He now has the most ODI centuries as West Indies captain. He has six. Sammy feels Hope does not get enough credit. He said Hope has carried the team on his back many times. Sammy believes Hope deserves more praise for what he has done.
Overall, West Indies are still a work in progress. But under Hope, they are moving in the right direction. His batting, his calm leadership, and his modern approach are making a difference. The team is not unbeatable yet. But they are becoming harder to beat.
FAQs
Q. How many runs has Shai Hope scored on the India tour?
A. Hope has scored 432 runs across five matches.
Q. What did Shai Hope score in the second T20I?
A. Hope scored 102 not out off 45 balls.
Q. Who praised Shai Hope’s professionalism?
A. Roston Chase praised Hope’s professionalism and hard work.
Q. Which coach has influenced West Indies?
A. Daren Sammy has played an important role as coach.
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