Aakash Chopra slams Shai Hope's 'cardinal sin', credits Arshdeep Singh & Prince Yadav for cameos

India defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the 3rd T20I at Indore on October 11, 2026, with the hosts posting 223 in their innings. The match saw crucial contributions from lower-order batsmen that proved decisive in the final total. Arshdeep Singh was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance.

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra highlighted a pivotal moment during India's batting innings when West Indies captain Shai Hope made a tactical decision that backfired.

"Hope getting out, with Arshdeep going around the stumps and executing the plan extremely well, which was beautiful, because when you go around the stumps, you have to go toward the edge of the box, and your angle becomes so large that there are greater chances of a gap getting created," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

During India's innings, Shamar Joseph had dismissed Sanju Samson after bowling at 150 kph and conceding just three runs. However, Hope removed Joseph from the attack at a critical juncture, allowing the incoming bowler to be struck freely by the Indian lower order. Chopra emphasised how this decision proved costly for the West Indies captain.

"After that, when we were batting and they were bowling, we had scored 11 runs in two overs. Shamar Joseph had dismissed Sanju Samson. He was bowling at 150 kph, had conceded three runs, but he (Hope) stopped him. He was stopped, and our guys thrashed the incoming guy," Chopra said.

"It was a game-changing moment. That was Hope's mistake. This was a cardinal sin," he added.

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Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav's match-winning cameos

Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav seized the opportunity created by Hope's bowling change, delivering match-winning contributions with the bat. Both players came into the middle during the latter stages of India's innings when wickets had fallen regularly, yet they managed to turn the momentum decisively in India's favour.

"You don't get this opportunity every time. I am talking about Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav. Surprise, surprise, I am talking about their batting and not their bowling. They do well in bowling, but I am talking about their batting because you get only one chance in our famed and very deep batting lineup. You get a chance to bat once in a while," Chopra said.

Arshdeep struck a six during his 11-run cameo off eight balls, while Prince Yadav remained unbeaten on 13 from six deliveries, hitting three fours. Prince's boundaries came in the final over, including a drive towards deep mid-wicket, a scoop shot, and a top-edge that cleared short third man.

"Can you make the most of that opportunity? They did that. Arshdeep hit a six and Prince Yadav hit three fours. Suddenly, the two together scored 24 runs, and we won by 14 runs," Chopra said.

"The way we lost wickets in the second half of the innings, it seemed like we might not be able to play 20 overs. Those crucial contributions changed the game. 205 became 223, and you were able to defend," he added.