IND vs WI: How chat with MS Dhoni fueled Shai Hope’s fantastic run in India

West Indies captain Shai Hope has revealed how a simple chat with MS Dhoni helped him unlock his brilliant form during the ODI series against India. Hope was the star of the show for West Indies as they chased down 352 in 48.2 overs to secure their most successful run chase in ODI cricket.

Hope remained unbeaten on 162 off 143 balls to seal the win. This was the Windies skipper’s second hundred of the series as he played a superb knock in Guwahati. Hope ended the series with 278 runs from three matches at an average of 139 and a strike rate of 112.09.

IND vs WI, 3rd ODI: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

The knock also meant that he now has 1019 runs in India with five sets and three fifties to his name at an average of 84. Hope said in the post-match presentation that Dhoni told him that time was always on the batsman’s side and he just needed to trust the process and dissect the game as much as possible.

“I had a great chat with the great man MS Dhoni once,” Hope said at the post-match presentation. “He told 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 lay out the game as best you can and find ways to get boundaries in the backend.”

CHASE CALCULATION

Hope had to take on an unexpected opening role after Jewel Andrew was reportedly taken to hospital with a finger injury sustained in a field scramble. Hope had already kept wickets for all 50 overs in wet conditions and also batted in a West Indies side that was missing Vitel Lawes.

He paced his innings brilliantly and reached his 21st ODI century off 104 balls after a 46-ball fifty. Hope then kicked into gear and smashed 62 runs off his last 39 deliveries. After Keemo Paul fell in the 41st over, he added 62 off just 29 balls with Gudakesh Motie to steer West Indies home.

India’s slow over rate also gave the West Indies an advantage as another fielder was forced into the 30-yard circle for the last four overs, a situation Hope anticipated.

“I even thought about the odds behind the Indian team,” Hope said. “So I know they would have to bring in fielders. It’s always tough when you’re trying to defend the score and you have to have five men in the ring.”

The Windies captain will be in action during the T20I series starting on October 6.

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