There are few players in modern West Indies cricket as calm, disciplined and consistent as Shai Diego Hope. From his beginnings in Barbados to captaining the West Indies white-ball teams, his cricketing journey is a story of excellence. He is one of the most technically sound batsmen in world cricket today who is brilliant with the bat, confident behind the stumps and a thoughtful leader. Let’s take a look at Shai Hope’s inspiring journey, his beginnings, biography, career stats, net worth, family life, IPL journey and much more.
Born and raised in Barbados, Shai Hope was a promising player from an early age. He studied at Queen’s College and St. Bede’s School, where his batting talent was evident from an early age. Coming from a cricketing family, it is no surprise that his older brother Kyle Hope also earned a place in the West Indies team. Hope’s dedication to the game was evident from his teenage years. He developed a strong foundation in technique and temperament.
Hope made his first-class debut for Barbados in the 2012β13 season. His breakthrough came during the 2014β15 regional four-day competition. There he scored over 628 runs, catching the attention of the selectors. The following season, he scored 538 runs at an average of 67.25, and in March 2017, he achieved a career milestone. He also scored his first first-class double century at his home ground, Kensington Oval. His early performances showed a level of maturity and patience rarely seen in young Caribbean batsmen. These domestic feats soon paved the way for international recognition.
Shai Hope made his Test debut against England at Bridgetown in 2015, and was opened by the great Clive Lloyd. At just 21 years old, he was seen as a long-term prospect for West Indies cricket. Although his early Test performances were inconsistent, his breakthrough came at Headingley in 2017. He became the first player to score a century in both innings in 534 first-class matches at Headingley. He led West Indies to a famous victory over England. That remarkable match is one of the greatest in modern West Indies cricket history.
Hope made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2016 and quickly became a pillar of stability in a struggling West Indies team. Between 2018 and 2023, he was one of the most consistent ODI batsmen in the world, averaging over 60 runs in four of those six years. His ability to anchor the innings, rotate the strike and build partnerships made him indispensable to the team. In T20Is, Hope made his debut against New Zealand in 2017. Although not a power hitter, his elegant and calculated batting style has allowed him to adapt to the shorter format with success.
In 2023, Shai Hope was appointed as the ODI and T20I captain of the West Indies. His calm demeanor and disciplined approach brought a new focus to a team searching for stability and identity. Under his leadership, the West Indies achieved several victories, including an ODI victory against England in 2023, where Hope’s unbeaten 109 helped the team chase down the target. That innings also marked his 5,000th ODI run, making him the fastest West Indies player to reach this milestone.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 43 | 82 | 3 | 2,005 | 147 | 25.37 | 42.93 | 3 | 5 | 69 | 1 |
| ODIs | 145 | 140 | 21 | 5,951 | 170 | 50.00 | 79.06 | 18 | 30 | 148 | 15 |
| T20Is | 51 | 49 | 6 | 1,210 | 102* | 28.13 | 137.65 | 1 | 7 | 22 | 1 |
| First-Class | 75 | 135 | 9 | 4,334 | 215* | 34.39 | 45.56 | 10 | 15 | 103 | 2 |
| Format | Matches | Innings (bowled) | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 43 | β | β | β | β | β | β | β |
| ODIs | 145 | β | β | β | β | β | β | β |
| T20Is | 51 | β | β | β | β | β | β | β |
| First-Class | 75 | 1 | 12 | 5 | 0 | β | β | 2.50 |
| List A | 188 | β | β | β | β | β | β | β |
| T20s | 187 | β | β | β | β | β | β | β |
Shai Hopeβs classical batting may not seem tailor-made for T20s, but he has proven adaptable in franchise cricket.
He has represented several teams across global leagues:
Hope joined Delhi Capitals for βΉ75 lakh in IPL 2024. He played 9 matches, scoring 183 runs at a strike rate above 130, he showed the ability to stabilize the innings and play smartly in the middle order. His IPL career is still young, but his performances in other leagues, especially for Dubai Capitals, have made him a valuable T20 asset.
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Total Net Worth | USD 5 million (approx. βΉ41 crore) |
| Annual Salary (WI Contract) | USD 300,000 |
| IPL Salary (Delhi Capitals) | USD 90,000 |
| CPL & ILT20 Earnings | USD 150,000+ per season |
| Endorsements | Nike, SS, Gray-Nicolls |
| Luxury Assets | Car collection, Barbados residence |
Hopeβs growing global presence as a franchise player, along with his leadership role in international cricket.
Shai Hope is known to be a private person who rarely shares details about his personal life. As of 2025, he is not married, and there is no public information available about his partner.
He remains close to his family, especially his brother Kyle Hope, who also played for the West Indies. Hope’s grounded personality and humble lifestyle make him one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the Caribbean.
From a young player from Barbados to captaining the West Indies white-ball teams, Shai Hope’s journey is a testament to focus, faith and perseverance. Whether it’s chasing an ODI match, mentoring youngsters or showcasing his talent in Tests, Hope represents the ideal modern cricketer. As he continues to lead West Indies into a new era, Shai’s story is a shining example of what dedication is all about.
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As of 2025, Shai Hope’s net worth is around USD 5 million (βΉ41 crore). His sources of income include West Indies cricket contract, IPL, CPL, ILT20 salary, and endorsements. His leadership role has further strengthened his financial profile.
Shai Hope is currently single and has kept his personal relationships private. He prefers to focus on cricket and is known for maintaining a simple lifestyle off the field.
Shai Hope plays for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He joined the franchise in 2024 and has shown promise as a reliable middle-order batsman with a strike rate of over 130.