West Indies captain, Shai Hope, is gearing up for the challenge of playing India on their home turf. He sees the upcoming ODI series as a chance for his team-mates, particularly the less experienced ones, to learn and grow by playing against one of the world’s top teams.
With the West Indies unable to automatically qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, they face the qualifiers in February once again. For Hope, facing India provides valuable preparation for these qualifiers and a chance to measure the team’s progress. He remarked, “Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge, and it’s one that we definitely need to grasp and embrace.” His excitement for the series is palpable as he adds, “When you come here, you expect the best of the best.”
The West Indies, currently ranked tenth globally, must collaborate effectively to compete with India. Hope, who boasts a strong record in India with an average of 56.88, is pivotal for this effort. Reflecting on his success, Hope said, “I pride myself a lot on trying to be the best that I can be… Adaptability in different conditions and playing against different opposition.” He stresses the importance of meticulous preparation and encourages team discussions on strategies tailored to different conditions.
The series in India represents more than just a contest to win for Hope. With a mix of experienced players like Roston Chase and newcomers such as Vitel Lawes, the tour is a learning experience. Hope places emphasis on the growth of these younger players, stating, “I want to see progression… how we can compete.” He fondly recalls his early career, sharing how playing in India was a benchmark for self-assessment.
Acknowledging the West Indies’ longstanding struggle to win bilateral series in India, Hope sees this history as added motivation. “Whenever you come to India and you want to play against the best team, win against the best team. So, it will definitely be added motivation,” he said.
The West Indies have had their share of impressive performances since 2025, but consistency eludes them. Noteworthy individual efforts, like Keacy Carty’s 170 against Ireland, highlight their potential. Yet, Hope recognises the need for regularity, stating, “Consistency is the biggest thing for us… If you want to be the best, number one, number two, number three, you’ve got to do it more consistently.”
As the series against India approaches, Hope’s focus remains on both the immediate contest and long-term development, aiming to guide his team towards becoming a competitive force on the world stage.
