West Indies captain Shai Hope led his team to a five-wicket victory against India in the third ODI at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on October 3, chasing down a target of 352 in 48.2 overs. Hope remained unbeaten on 162 off 143 deliveries, anchoring the successful chase despite being compelled to open the innings after Jewel Andrew sustained a finger injury while fielding. The win served as a consolation for the West Indies after India had already clinched the three-match series with victories in the first two games.
Hope has long credited the influence of former India captain MS Dhoni in shaping his approach to batting and leadership. The West Indies skipper drew on this wisdom during the challenging pursuit against India, applying a philosophy centred on process rather than outcome.
“I once had a great chat with the great man, MS Dhoni. He was telling me that you always have more time than you think. So try not to focus too much on the end result. Just look at the process, try to break the game down as best as you can, and find ways to get the boundaries in the back end,” said Hope in the post-match presentation.
Hope’s innings demonstrated the practical application of this philosophy. He reached his half-century off 46 balls and brought up his 21st ODI hundred from 104 deliveries. He then shifted gears dramatically, scoring 62 runs off his last 39 balls to accelerate the chase in the final stages.
“I even thought about the overs that the Indian team were behind. So I know they would have to bring a fielder in. It’s always tough when you’re trying to defend a score and you’ve got to have five men in the ring,” said Hope.
Sammy’s assessment of Hope’s captaincy
Daren Sammy, the former West Indies captain, praised Hope’s leadership style and the manner in which he led from the front during the chase. Sammy noted that Hope’s approach differs from his own but remains highly effective in driving team performance.
“Shai Hope is someone who believes in leading by his performance. And that has always been him. I wouldn’t say he is a Sammy – everybody is different. He doesn’t really say much. But when he speaks, he is quite clear as to what he is expecting from himself and from the group. And, like I said, he is one who leads by his performance. And he believes in that,” said Hope.
“Like today, somebody had to go up the order and open. He came out and I said to him, [you have to open.] He didn’t say a word. He just put on his pads and went out. And 160 runs later, he won the game for us. So he is a class player. I don’t think he gets enough credit for what he has done for West Indies and how he has played as well and the commitment he has given to us. So a class player, great individual, and he leads by his performance,” he added.
