Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said West Indies have achieved more on this tour than they have in many years. His comments came after the second T20I, played in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. Chasing a massive 250, West Indies captain Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, smashing six fours and nine sixes. Sherfane Rutherford also scored 84 off 37 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes, as the Windies secured a six-wicket win with nine balls to spare to level the series at 1-1 as well.

Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Ash ki Baat), he said, “In my books, the West Indies have already accomplished more on this tour than they have in many years, especially considering that this is a team that lacks experience. If you look at the previous West Indies teams, players like Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard were part of them, bringing plenty of experience. This team does not have that kind of experience, and many of its players are young. Shai Hope has not performed much in T20 cricket. He has had one or two stints in the IPL, but I think this could be a make-or-break moment for him. If he gets a similar role in an IPL team, Shai Hope could also be a fabulous player in the IPL.”

However, Ravichandran Ashwin also shared hope that West Indies would not win too many tosses in the rest of the matches. He also added that if the visitors get their bowling right in even one game, their stunning batting lineup could help them win.

“I hope the West Indies do not win too many tosses. If they lose the toss in Indore, and fortunately or unfortunately for us and for them, West Indies get their bowling right in one game, they will definitely be able to cover up for their bowling lineup with the strength of their batting. They will certainly give you a run for your money,” he concluded.