Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed West Indies captain Shai Hope to secure a place in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, following his outstanding performances during the ongoing white-ball tour of India.
🚨 SHAI HOPE IN RCB FOR IPL 2027 🚨 Ravichandran Ashwin said 🗣️, "Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be an option for him (Shai Hope) because they have both Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell. Bethell batted reasonably well, but do they need to have another option there? Maybe, maybe not. So, honestly, should Shai Hope play in the IPL? Is he deserving? Absolutely. In my mind, he would be a number-one player. Will he be picked in this auction? He definitely should be, and I am hoping he will be."
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) October 15, 2026
Ashwin believes Hope deserves another opportunity in the famous T20 league and has identified defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a possible destination.
Hope has enjoyed a remarkable run of form across the ODI and T20I series against India. His consistent run-scoring, improved attacking approach and ability to perform under pressure have strengthened his case for another IPL opportunity. The West Indies skipper has demonstrated that he can combine technical discipline with aggressive stroke play, making him an interesting option for franchises preparing for the next auction.
Ashwin Backs Shai Hope for IPL opportunity.
However, Ashwin also acknowledged that finding the right batting position could be a challenge for Hope. The batter may be more comfortable opening the innings, while several IPL teams already have established overseas openers. This could make his selection dependent on a franchise's team combination and tactical needs.
Shai Hope's Impressive Form Against India
Hope's performances on the tour have been exceptional. He scored an unbeaten 162 in the final ODI against India and followed it with impressive contributions in the T20I series. In the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, he smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls, including nine sixes, helping West Indies level the series with a 24-run victory.
His recent T20I numbers also highlight his development in the shortest format. Hope scored 1,511 runs in 48 T20Is between 2024 and October 2026, averaging 39.76 at a strike rate close to 149. These numbers underline his growing effectiveness as an aggressive batter.
Hope previously represented Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, scoring 183 runs in nine innings. However, he has yet to establish himself as a regular IPL player. His current form could help him attract greater attention from franchises ahead of the next auction.
With his skills to score quickly and experience as an international captain, Hope could become an attractive option for teams seeking a dependable top-order batter. Whether RCB or another franchise signs him will depend on their squad requirements and overseas-player combinations.
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