Sammy praises Shai Hope after unbeaten 162 seals final ODI win over India

West Indies coach Daren Sammy praised captain Shai Hope after Hope carried his side to victory over India in the final One-Day International at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on October 03, 2026.

Jewel Andrews was unable to bat after injuring his finger while fielding, forcing Hope—who had kept wicket for all 50 overs—to open the innings; he carried his bat through, finishing an unbeaten 162. Sammy, the West Indies coach and a two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper, paid tribute to Hope’s effort following the match.

“He was in the field for what, 98.2 overs. He literally took the team on his back today with the bat, like he’s done so many times before. The skipper stepping up is not anything new to him, but to keep 50 overs and then put on your pads and go and play an innings like that was special,” said Sammy.

Sammy added: “We came here knowing the quality that India has and to measure ourselves against a team like that. We showed that when we do things consistently well for long enough, we could match the number one team in the world. We will take a lot of learning from this.”

On Hope’s approach to leadership, Sammy said: “He doesn’t really say much. But when he speaks, he’s quite clear as to what he’s expecting from himself and from the group.”

“As I said, he leads by his performance. He believes in that. Like today, somebody had to go up and open, and when I said to him [to open], he didn’t say a word. He just put on his pads, went out, and won us the game. I don’t think he gets enough credit for what he’s done for West Indies, how he’s played, and the commitment he’s given us. Class player, great individual,” remarked Sammy.

The victory came in the final ODI of the series.