Thiruvananthapuram, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
West Indies captain Shai Hope has described playing India in their own conditions as one of international cricket’s toughest challenges, but said his team is ready to embrace the test as the three-match ODI series begins at Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday.
Hope said facing a strong side in home conditions provides an important measure of where a team stands.
“Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge. It’s one that we definitely need to grasp and embrace. It’s a great indicator for us to see where we are as a team,” Hope said at the pre-match press conference.
The West Indies captain has an impressive record against India in ODIs. In 26 matches, he has scored 988 runs at an average of 47, including three centuries and five half-centuries. His numbers in India are even stronger, with 741 runs from 14 ODIs at an average of 74.10, including three centuries and three fifties.
Hope said succeeding in India requires a different approach from playing in Australia or the Caribbean, with preparation and attention to detail particularly important.
“You have to adapt to different conditions and opponents. Every day isn’t going to be your day, but I focus on the fine details to give myself the best chance,” he said.
“Playing in India requires a completely different approach compared to Australia or back home in the Caribbean. It’s about being very critical with your training and preparation,” he added.
West Indies have not won an ODI series in India since 2002. Hope acknowledged the statistic but said such a long-standing record can provide additional motivation for the visitors.
“We know it’s going to be a tough battle, but we want to change that script,” he said.
Hope also backed the team’s spin options, identifying experienced campaigners Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie, along with young left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes, as players who could have an important role on Indian pitches.
He said Chase and Motie have consistently contributed over the past few years, while Lawes has already shown his potential and could develop into a major asset for the team.
The series opener will be followed by the remaining two ODIs as West Indies look to challenge India in home conditions and end their long wait for an ODI series victory on Indian soil.
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