Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be a potential destination for West Indies batter Shai Hope ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The discussion followed Hope’s outstanding performance in the fourth T20I against India in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14.
Hope produced a match-winning innings, smashing an unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries, including four boundaries and nine sixes. His second century of the series helped the West Indies post an imposing 247/3. India failed to complete the chase, managing 223 in 19.3 overs to suffer a 24-run defeat.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin backed Hope’s credentials for the IPL and suggested that RCB could explore the possibility of signing him. However, he acknowledged that the franchise already has overseas options in Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell. “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be an option for him (Shai Hope) because they have both Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell. Bethell batted reasonably well, but do they need to have another option there? Maybe, maybe not.”
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Ravichandran Ashwin also made it clear that Hope deserves another opportunity in the IPL, expressing confidence that franchises would consider him during the auction. “So, honestly, should Shai Hope play in the IPL? Is he deserving? Absolutely. In my mind, he would be a number-one player. Will he be picked in this auction? He definitely should be, and I am hoping he will be.”
Hope has previous IPL experience, having represented Delhi Capitals during the 2024 season. Across nine appearances, the right-handed batter scored 183 runs at an average of 22.87 and a strike rate of 150.00.
Despite backing Hope’s ability, Ashwin pointed out that finding a regular place in an IPL playing XI could prove difficult. Most franchises already have established opening combinations, particularly when it comes to overseas players. That could limit Hope’s opportunities if he enters the IPL 2027 auction. Ashwin suggested that the No. 3 or No. 4 positions could be alternatives, although he questioned whether those roles would suit the West Indies batter’s strengths.
“He is not finding a place in the first XI of any squad, so that is a cause for concern. He will always get a place at number three or four, but is he suited to that role? He is probably not suited to that role, but he is an option.”
Ravichandran Ashwin remained hopeful that a franchise would make a serious attempt to sign Hope but admitted that a major bidding battle might be unlikely. He believes team combinations will ultimately determine the batter’s prospects.
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Across 234 T20 matches, Hope has scored 6,353 runs at an average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 130.37, including 32 half-centuries and six centuries. His recent performances could strengthen his case as franchises assess their options for IPL 2027.
