‘To keep for 50 overs and then score 162 is special’: Sammy hails Hope after historic chase

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy hailed captain Shai Hope’s exceptional effort after the skipper produced an unbeaten 162 to guide the visitors to a historic 352-run chase against India in the third and final ODI in New Chandigarh.

Hope spent all 50 overs behind the stumps during India’s innings before opening the batting in place of the injured Jewel Andrew. He then carried his bat through the chase to steer West Indies to a memorable victory at the new PCA Stadium.

“He was in the field for what, 98.2 overs. He literally took the team on his back today with the bat, like he’s done so many times before. The skipper stepping up is not anything new to him, but to keep 50 overs and then put on your pads and go and play an innings like that was special,” Sammy said, according to the ICC.

Sammy also felt Hope has not always received sufficient recognition for his contribution to West Indies cricket.

He said Hope’s leadership is built around his performances, pointing out that the captain did not hesitate when asked to open the innings after Andrew’s injury.

“Somebody had to go up and open, and when I said to him to open, he didn’t say a word. He just put on his pads, went out, and won us the game,” Sammy said.

“I don’t think he gets enough credit for what he’s done for West Indies, how he’s played, and the commitment he’s given us. Class player, great individual,” he added.

Sammy said the series had also provided West Indies with valuable lessons ahead of the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, even though the team may have to go through the qualifying route.

He highlighted the batting unit’s ability to compete against India and stressed the importance of scoring hundreds, batting deep, building partnerships and avoiding clusters of wickets.

“We came here knowing the quality that India has and to measure ourselves against a team like that. We showed that when we do things consistently well for long enough, we could match the number one team in the world,” Sammy said.

The coach added that the successful chase demonstrated the confidence West Indies need to build when playing in conditions where defending totals can be difficult.