SHAI HOPEMS DHONIIn an extensive interview for the most recent episode of the DC Podcast, season 4, Delhi Capitals batter Shai Hope—who is currently representing the West Indies in the ongoing T20 World Cup—discussed a wide range of subjects, including his journey as a cricketer, his IPL debut with DC, cricket in the West Indies, the home World Cup, and much more.
Growing up, cricket was a constant in my life.
Shai Hope said, “I’ve played cricket pretty much since I was born,” when discussing his experience in the sport. My brother and father both play cricket. I grew up seeing them play in the garage since my dad, a joiner, had a little workshop there. In the workshop, we used to play cricket. I just started to fall in love with the game after that. Sports were always a big deal in my home. And it’s just fun to be free to run around the house and occasionally smash things. However, he added, “My parents were content with such items since they can now say I can pay for it.
Wonderful IPL First Game with DC
“Watching it on television is one thing,” Hope remarked, looking back on his first IPL season. However, it’s another matter entirely to truly embrace the ambiance. As an illustration, we played Chennai in Vizag, which was meant to be a home game. We all recognise that man (MS Dhoni), so you can see the amount of noise and the sea of yellow. You could hear it on TV, but it wouldn’t be the same as experiencing it in person.”
The Influence of MS Dhoni
“I’ve brought up one item that has resonated with me on a few occasions, particularly with my teammates. You always have a lot more time than you realise, according to Dhoni. Furthermore, it has to be true if he is telling you that. The 30-year-old said of MS Dhoni’s influence, “I think it settled my brain hearing that from someone who has done it for numerous years.”
Desires for the West Indies and the Home World Cup
“The response that we’re getting so far from the crowds, from the public, I think this is going to be one of the bigger tournaments that we’re going to see,” the West Indies batter said, discussing the possibility of participating in the home World Cup. I would really like to win a World Cup, personally. For years, that was my childhood fantasy, and it still remains the same. It won’t change at all, in my opinion. And 2024 is the ideal year to do it.
“I’m not sure I want to say return to the top. Because I don’t want to constantly be living in the past, I want to say “achieve to the top.” I would dearly love to see America reclaim our position as the global powerhouse. Speaking of his hopes for bringing West Indies cricket back to life, he continued, “I want West Indies to be looked at as an example for the other teams around the world again.”
India
