Shai Hope is a batting genius for West Indies cricket. His recent 120* off 94 balls against Pakistan sealed a 202-run win. Despite his 4215 ODI runs since 2019, he ranks 11th in ICC ODI rankings. This article argues why he deserves a top 5 spot. Hope’s 18 ODI centuries and ODI captaincy show his class. He outshines many top batters like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in recent stats.
His consistency and leadership make him a cricket performance standout. With the 2025 Champions Trophy behind him, Hope’s case is strong. Let’s dive into why ICC rankings don’t do him justice. We’ll explore his stats, leadership, and impact for West Indies.
Unmatched Consistency: Hope’s ODI Run Machine
Shai Hope has been a rock for West Indies cricket since 2019. He’s scored 4215 runs, more than any ODI batter in that time. His average of 51.40 beats most top 5 batters, except Babar Azam. Hope’s 22 centuries rank him third globally, behind only Babar and Virat Kohli.
In 2025, he’s the seventh-highest run-scorer with a 100+ average against Pakistan. His 207 runs in that series included a century and fifty. This cricket performance shines in matches like India vs England. Hope’s reliability makes him a top ODI batting contender.
Since 2019, Hope tops ODI run-scoring lists. He’s outscored Shubman Gill and Daryl Mitchell yearly. His nine centuries since 2021 are unmatched. This consistency, seen in India vs Zimbabwe, proves he belongs in the top 5.
Career Stats
Shai Hope Career Stats
Bowling
Captaincy Brilliance: Hope’s Leadership Edge
As West Indies ODI captain, Shai Hope has excelled. He’s one of two wicketkeepers with five-plus centuries as captain, alongside MS Dhoni. His 120* against Pakistan led to a 2-1 series win. Hope’s leadership lifts his team in tough moments, in West Indies vs Pakistan.
His 109* against England in 2023, seen in India vs England, took him past 5000 ODI runs. He’s the fastest West Indian to reach this mark. Hope’s calm under pressure suits ODI captaincy. His impact rivals Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam.
Hope’s five-century record tons as captain are historic. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Quinton de Kock have more. His leadership in Australia vs South Africa showed tactical smarts. This makes him a top ODI batter candidate.
Anchor and Attacker: Hope’s Versatile Batting
Shai Hope shines as a wicketkeeper-batsman at No. 4. Since 2019, he’s adapted to anchor or accelerate as needed. His 170 against Ireland in 2019 is his highest ODI score. This versatility sets him apart in West Indies cricket.
His 120* against Pakistan showed his gear-shifting ability. Hope stabilises innings, as seen in South Africa vs New Zealand. He outscores teammates like Nicholas Pooran by over 2000 runs. Hope’s skill makes him a top 5 ODI batting star.
Hope’s ability to read games is unmatched. He builds innings or attacks when required. His performance in India vs Australia highlights this. His adaptability suits 2025 Champions Trophy conditions.
Carrying the Team: Hope’s Role for West Indies
West Indies rely heavily on Shai Hope. He’s played 98 ODIs since 2019, more than any teammate. His 4215 runs dwarf others, with Keacy Carty and Brandon King trailing. Hope’s impact is clear in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh.
His move to No. 4 in 2019 boosted his cricket performance. He anchors innings, allowing others to attack. Hope’s 5000+ ODI runs show his consistency. He’s a cornerstone for the T20 World Cup and beyond, like in England vs India.
Hope’s runs are vital for West Indies. He outscores teammates by nearly triple at No. 4. His role in India vs New Zealand was pivotal. This reliability demands a top 5 ICC ODI rankings spot.
Outshining Rivals: Hope vs. Top 5 Batters
Shai Hope outshines ICC ODI rankings top 5 batters in key stats. Since 2019, his 4215 runs surpass Shubman Gill and Daryl Mitchell. His 51.40 average beats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Only Babar Azam ranks higher in centuries.
Hope’s nine tons since 2021 lead all batters. His 2025 form, like in Railways vs Delhi, is unmatched. Despite ICC rankings placing him 11th, his stats scream top 5. Hope’s consistency rivals cricket legends like the Godfather of Cricket.
Hope’s numbers since 2019 are elite. He tops ODI run charts yearly, except 2023. His performance in South Africa vs Afghanistan shows his edge. This proves he deserves a top 5 spot.
Dominating Pressure Moments: Hope’s Clutch Factor
Shai Hope thrives in high-stakes games. His 109* against England in 2023 sealed a memorable win. His 128* on ODI captaincy debut against South Africa was clutch. These knocks show his big-match temperament, like in Australia and South Africa.
Hope’s ability to perform under pressure is unmatched. His 120* against Pakistan turned the game. His role in India vs New Zealand was game-changing. This makes him a top ODI batter.
Hope’s clutch performances are legendary. His centuries in India vs England prove his mettle. He handles pressure better than many top 5 batters. This demands a higher ICC ODI rankings spot.
Record-Breaking Milestones: Hope’s ODI Legacy
Shai Hope’s ODI statistics are historic. He’s the fastest West Indian to 5000 ODI runs, tying Sir Vivian Richards. His 18 centuries rank third among wicketkeeper-batsmen. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Quinton de Kock have more.
His five centuries as ODI captain match MS Dhoni’s record. Hope’s 2025 form, like in Australia vs South Africa, is phenomenal. His Caribbean Premier League performances add to his aura. Hope’s milestones demand top 5 recognition.
Hope’s records are unmatched. His 5000 runs in 114 innings is elite. His century record in India vs Zimbabwe shows consistency. These feats surpass many ICC ODI rankings leaders.
Global Recognition: Hope’s Awards and Impact
Shai Hope’s cricket performance has earned global praise. He was named CWI ODI Player of the Year in 2019. He made the ICC ODI Team of the Year in 2020 and 2022. These honors reflect his ODI batting brilliance.
His leadership in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh was lauded. Hope’s 4215 runs since 2019 outshine many top batters. His Barbados cricket roots add to his legacy. He’s a true West Indies cricket icon.
Hope’s accolades prove his worth. His ICC ODI Team selections highlight his consistency. Performances in India vs Australia earned him respect. This supports his top 5 ODI batter claim.
Conclusion: Hope’s Case for The ODI Glory
Shai Hope is a West Indies cricket superstar. His 4215 ODI runs since 2019 lead all batters. His 18 centuries and ODI captaincy brilliance outshine many in the ICC ODI rankings. Hope’s versatility, clutch performances, and records make him a top 5 contender. Despite ranking 11th, his stats surpass Shubman Gill and Daryl Mitchell. His leadership in India vs New Zealand shows his value. Hope’s cricket consistency and awards demand recognition. He’s a vital asset for the T20 World Cup and beyond. It’s time the ICC rankings reflect his true greatness.
