Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Shai Hope's IPL Selection
Shai Hope's Stellar Performance Catches Attention
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 15: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted the impressive form of West Indies captain Shai Hope, suggesting he would be a valuable addition to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
Hope has been making headlines in India, recently scoring his fourth century on the white-ball tour during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, where he achieved an outstanding 102 not out off just 50 balls, featuring four boundaries and nine sixes. With two centuries in both the ODI and T20I formats, along with five scores exceeding fifty in seven matches, the West Indies captain is showcasing his peak performance as the team aims to secure a spot in the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualifiers.
Having recently become the fourth West Indian to surpass 2,000 T20I runs, Hope's evolution in the format is remarkable. From 2017 to 2023, he accumulated only 493 runs in 26 matches at an average of 22.41, with just two fifties. However, since 2024, he has amassed 1,511 runs in 48 T20Is at an impressive average of 39.76 and a strike rate nearing 149, including three centuries and 11 fifties.
On his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin remarked, 'RCB could be a suitable option for him, especially with Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell already in the squad. While Bethell performed decently, the question remains whether they need another option. Should Shai Hope participate in the IPL? Absolutely, he deserves it. In my opinion, he should be a top pick. I genuinely hope he gets selected in this auction.'
Hope made his IPL debut in 2024 with the Delhi Capitals, scoring 183 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 150.00, with a highest score of 41. However, he has yet to make a significant impact in the league. Ashwin believes that while the number three or four batting positions may not suit him, they remain possibilities.
'He hasn't secured a spot in any team's first XI, which is concerning. While he could fit into the number three or four roles, they may not be ideal for him. Will a team invest heavily in him? I hope so, but it seems unlikely, as most teams have their overseas players fixed in the opening slots. Ultimately, it will depend on the combinations they seek,' he concluded.
This year, Hope is experiencing his best T20I season, scoring 601 runs in 16 innings at an average of 50.08 and a strike rate exceeding 152, including two centuries and four fifties. In total, across all formats this year, he has scored 1,336 runs in 29 matches at an average of 55.66, with five centuries and seven fifties.
In India, Hope stands out as the leading run-scorer for the West Indies and the second-highest overall in ODIs, with 278 runs in three innings at an average of 139.00, including two centuries and a top score of 162* in the final ODI in Assam. In the T20I series, he has scored 261 runs in four innings, featuring two centuries and a fifty, making him the leading run-scorer in T20Is. Overall, he has amassed 539 runs in seven innings at an average of 134.75, with four centuries and a fifty.
Against India, Hope's record across formats is impressive, totaling 1,961 runs in 45 matches at an average of 47.82, with eight centuries and six fifties, including a best score of 162*.