Shai Hope, the batter for Delhi Capitals and currently representing the West Indies squad in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, discussed extensively on various topics in latest episode of DC Podcast season 4. His conversation revolved around his cricketing journey. IPL debut with DC, cricket in the West Indies, upcoming home World Cup among others.
When asked about how his cricketing journey started Shai replied by saying that “Cricket has always been in my life from when I am born. My father and brother play cricket as well. Growing up we used to watch them play from inside the garage because my father is a joiner he has a nice little workshop there so 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, Shai Hope said “TVs another thing man. But then actually embracing it is different you know what I mean like for example we played against Chennai in Vizag which was supposed to be our home fixture but you see like So you’d hear it on TV but it cannot compare to what it is in person.”
One thing that stuck with me, and I’ve mentioned it a few times especially to my teammates. He (Dhoni) said you always have way more time than you think. And if he’s telling you that then imagine hearing this from someone who’s done this for so many years already settled my brain.” Shared 30-year-old referring to MS Dhoni as he reflected on his career.
Speaking about playing at home during a World Cup tournament. The West Indian batter stated “The response that we’re getting so far from crowds, from public. I think this is going to be one of the bigger tournaments that we’re going to see. Personally, I really want to win a World Cup. That was a dream of mine growing up for years, and it hasn’t changed. I don’t think it will ever change. And 2024 is a perfect opportunity to do so.”
“I don’t really want to say back to the top. He want to say get there because I don’t want to live in the past all the time. I would love us being able to dominate again around the world. I want West Indies once again being look at as an example for other teams around the world.” He said when talking about his hopes or reviving cricket in West Indies.
