‘Success doesn’t necessarily mean series wins’: West Indies captain Shai Hope after rain washes out 5th T20I

Shai Hope is making history West Indies captain Shai Hope believes his team’s progress should be measured by more than just series wins after his team drew the five-match T20I series against India 2-2.

Shai Hope is making history

The series ended goalless in Bengaluru after rain interrupted the fifth match, forcing both teams to share the trophy. West Indies are still waiting for their first bilateral series win in India in over two decades.

Hope praises the team’s progress

Reflecting on the series, Hope said the team’s performance showed how much the players had improved together, even without winning the trophy outright.“We haven’t won a series here in over 20 years. To get this far in the series shows what we’ve been able to do as a unit. Success doesn’t necessarily mean winning the series, to see the guys step up has been commendable.”Hope also praised the bowlers for their contributions throughout the series. Keemo Paul had eight goals, Shamar Springer had seven goals and Roston Chase finished with six goals. Paul also took five wickets in the previous match to help West Indies defend a total of 248 runs.“Bowling up front, I saw Shamar Springer come in and play a key role at the back, wickets and death overs. Keemo Paul like that, Roston bowled well. The way we play our cricket in general, everyone played chips. Pleased from the bowling side of things,” he said.

Hope reflects his batting achievements

Hope, named Player of the Series, stressed that confidence and sticking to his usual approach were the keys to his performances. He scored 261 runs in four innings at a strike rate of over 190, including two centuries and a half-century.“I still have to have confidence; when I cross the line, I still believe I can do my job. My process never changes; I try to stay as neutral as I can.”In the rain-shortened fifth T20I, India scored quickly after being asked to bat first. Ishan Kishan smashed 30 off 10 balls while Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 24 off six deliveries. Springer and Paul each took two wickets before rain brought the game to an early end.