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In the latest episode of the DC Podcast, season 4, Shai Hope, the batter for Delhi Capitals and a member of the West Indies squad at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, engaged in an extensive conversation. He delved into various topics, including his cricketing journey, debut in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, the state of cricket in the West Indies, the upcoming home World Cup, and much more.
During the latest episode of the DC Podcast, season 4, Shai Hope, the Delhi Capitals’ batter and a current member of the West Indies squad competing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, engaged in an extensive discussion. Covering a wide range of topics, he shared insights into his cricketing journey, his debut in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, the state of cricket in the West Indies, and the upcoming home World Cup, among other subjects.
Speaking about his cricketing journey, Hope said, “Cricket has been a part of my life pretty much from the time I was born. My dad and my brother, they both play cricket. Growing up, I used to watch them play in the garage because my dad, he’s a joiner, he has a nice little workshop there. We used to play cricket inside the workshop. So from then, I just fell in love with the game.”
“My family was always sports-oriented. And it’s just nice to have that freedom, running around the house, just sometimes breaking things. But my mom and dad, they were happy with those things because now they say I can pay for it,” he added.
Reflecting on his debut IPL season, Hope said, “Seeing it on television is one thing. But then actually embracing the atmosphere is a different thing. For example, we played against Chennai in Vizag, which was supposed to be our home fixture. And you see the amount of noise and the sea of yellow for we all know that man . So, you’d hear it on TV, but it cannot compare to what it is in person.”
Reflecting on the impact of MS Dhoni’s advice, the 30-year-old West Indies batter shared, “One thing that resonated with me, and I’ve reiterated it to my teammates several times, is that you always have more time than you think. And if he’s saying it, then it must hold true. Hearing this from someone with years of experience, I believe it eased my mind.”
Regarding the upcoming prospect of playing in the home World Cup, the player expressed, “The enthusiasm and support we’re witnessing from the crowds and the public indicate that this will be one of the most significant tournaments we’ve seen. Personally, winning a World Cup has always been a lifelong dream of mine, and that hasn’t changed over the years. I don’t foresee it changing. The 2024 tournament presents a perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream.”
“I don’t really want to say back to the top. I want to say get to the top because I don’t want to live in the past all the time. I would love to see us be the dominant force again around the world. I want West Indies to be looked at as an example for the other teams around the world again,” he added while talking about his aspirations of reviving West Indies cricket.
