West Indies have won the 1st ODI on the back of twin-tons from Shimron Hetmyer and the opener Shai Hope against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Hope was involved in a 218-run second-wicket stand along with Shimron Hetmyer as they drew first blood in the three-match series. Meanwhile, Hope has revealed what keeps him motivated. While addressing the media before the second ODI, Shai Hope talked about the support that the team is getting.
“I just need to remind myself that I am doing this for the entire Caribbean, everyone is supporting us. It is just about finding that motivation and do whatever I can to get the team over the line,” Hope said in the pre-match press conference here on Tuesday.
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“It is about trusting the process. My preparation remains the same it is just about being able to adapt to each surface you play on,” he added.
He also spoke about IPL auction.
“I am sure it would be but I am sure that’s secondary. We came here to play a series against India so whatever comes secondary is secondary,” Hope said on the eve of the second game. “I am sure some of the guys will be looking forward to the auction but we have an India series to play and that’s the main thing right now.”
He is at the third place in the ODI run-getters’ list this year with 1225 runs right after Virat Kohli (1292 runs) and Rohit Sharma (1268 runs). He shared his views on that too.
“As a batsman, you want to contribute as much as possible and if it helps the team win even more satisfying. Hopefully, we can remove them at the top and then get some big runs and get to the top of that run getters list,” he said. “My role was to stay, knock around and not give any wickets. It’s about doing what the team requires. If the chase required me to step it up, I can do that as well.”
“It’s a tough job but it takes a toll on the body but I want to remind myself that everyone in the Caribbean is supporting us. If I am required to keep 100 overs and then asked to bat, I am going to do that,” Hope said.
Batting with a flamboyant player like Shimron Hetmyer one might feel inferior but Hope knew he had to stay in the middle.
“I think it’s difficult for me when you see someone at the other end going so easy. You just want to join the party but I have to keep reminding myself that I can’t let the opposition make inroads. If one man is attacking at the other end, it’s not necessary to have a go if the run rate is under control. Key is to be aware of what the team needs.” Hope added again. “Looks better for batting. The ball will come on a bit more. I think it will be easier for scoring and bowlers will have more difficult job on this surface.”
