Shai Hope accelerated like he never did before, turning into someone who should be playing all formats for West Indies.
Shai Hope was seen as a uni-dimensional player for the longest time, often relying on nudging and nurdling it around corners and content with his low strike rate in the ODI format. Of course, West Indies did not have an issue with it as he averaged 50+ as an opener and was rock solid regardless of the players around him.
But as is the case with the best players in the World, they are never satisfied and Shai Hope set out to transform himself. His tweak was more mental than technical, the shots he chose in the past differ from the shots he makes use of today. The final result? An enhanced strike rate.
A player that was regarded as a test player, failed in the format and was relegated to just ODIs after his abject T20I performances. But a change in shot selection and his approach has brought to us the latest rendition of Shai Hope – Hope 3.0
In 2023, as Hope turned a corner, you saw a difference in his strike rate in the Caribbean Premier League to begin with, especially with his performances against spin.
Hope’s career against spin began with a sedate strike rate of just 50, which did not fit in the format, but in 2023, it has risen to 146.7, almost thrice of what he began with against the type.
Another increase, his strike rate vs spin at the death is the most eye-catching stat, a phenomenal rise, which also explains his improved performance against teams at the International level. Hope struck at 313 against spin in the Death Overs (16-20) in the 2023 season, doubled from his next best of 158.3 in the 2018 season.
But that’s not all, his intent in the Powerplay has also seen a change, as his strike rate has risen to 149 from 125 in 2022. This change has meant he can afford to take time through the middle following a rapid start.
Hope’s career against spin began with a sedate strike rate of just 50, which did not fit in the format, but in 2023, it has risen to 146.7, almost thrice of what he began with against the type.
Another increase, his strike rate vs spin at the death is the most eye-catching stat, a phenomenal rise, which also explains his improved performance against teams at the International level. Hope struck at 313 against spin in the Death Overs (16-20) in the 2023 season, doubled from his next best of 158.3 in the 2018 season.
But that’s not all, his intent in the Powerplay has also seen a change, as his strike rate has risen to 149 from 125 in 2022. This change has meant he can afford to take time through the middle following a rapid start.
Leave a Reply