'There might be some paddles in the air' - Kevin Pietersen backs Shai Hope to get IPL contract after Ranchi heroics

Shai Hope produced an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9, 2026, steering West Indies to their highest successful run chase in men's T20 internationals. The knock helped West Indies overhaul a target of 250 and beat India by six wickets, levelling the five-match series at 1-1.

This was Hope's third century on the current tour of India. He had amassed two tons in the three-match ODI series that preceded the T20Is.

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen took to X to react to the innings, posting on his official handle @KP24: "If Shai Hope puts his name into mini IPL auction, there might be some paddles in the air from a few tables." Pietersen's post came directly in response to Hope's performance in the match.

Hope and Rutherford's partnership dismantles India's total

West Indies had been reduced to 58/3 in 5.1 overs before Hope steadied the chase. Mayank Yadav removed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer with successive deliveries in the opening over and later dismissed Rovman Powell for 24. At that stage, the target looked well beyond the visitors.

Hope and Sherfane Rutherford then added 120 runs for the fourth wicket to turn the contest around. Rutherford contributed 84 off 37 balls, striking seven fours and seven sixes, while Hope hit six fours and nine sixes in his century. Romario Shepherd added 34 not out off 13 balls, and West Indies reached 252/4 in 18.3 overs.

India had posted 249/5 in 20 overs, with Sanju Samson top-scoring on 82 off 41 balls. Ishan Kishan made 43 off 22 balls, Shreyas Iyer contributed 40 off 18 balls, and Tilak Verma finished on 44 not out off 18 balls. For West Indies, Roston Chase took 3/24 and Mayank Yadav finished with 3/36.

Shai Hope's century records in T20 internationals

The match produced 501 runs in total, the second-highest aggregate in a T20I, behind the 517 scored when West Indies faced South Africa in Centurion in 2023. The boundary count of 79, comprising 46 fours and 33 sixes, was the third-highest in a T20I match.

Also Read: West Indies predicted playing XI for 3rd T20I vs India

West Indies' chase of 250 is now the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20 internationals. The highest remains South Africa's chase of 259 against West Indies in 2023. Hope's 45-ball hundred made him the second-fastest centurion for West Indies in men's T20Is, behind Johnson Charles, who reached his century in 39 balls against South Africa in Centurion in 2023, and ahead of Chris Gayle, who had done so in 47 balls at the ICC T20 World Cup 2016.