West Indies captain Shai Hope is matching India in almost everything, both on and off the field. After playing another magnificent knock of 102 not out from just 45 balls, Hope helped West Indies chase down a massive target of 250 runs against India in the second T20I in Ranchi. However, the biggest twist came after the match, when the West Indies captain appeared to give Shubman Gill a taste of his own medicine through his Instagram post.
West Indies celebrated their historic six-wicket victory in typical Caribbean style, but there was a certain calmness in their on-field celebrations. The real response came later on social media, where Hope used almost the same caption that Gill had posted after India’s record-breaking ODI victory against West Indies.
Shai Hope Responds to Shubman Gill With ‘250? Cool’
The story began on September 30, when Indian captain Shubman Gill played an extraordinary innings of 223 not out against West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati.
India were chasing a mammoth target of 406 runs, but Gill made a mockery of the total with his brilliant double century. India completed the chase in just 43.3 overs, registering their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket
Following that historic victory, Gill shared an Instagram post with a short but confident caption:
“406? Cool.”
Nine days later, it was Shai Hope’s turn.
India posted 249/5 in the second T20I in Ranchi, a total that would normally be considered extremely difficult to chase. However, Hope had other plans.
The West Indies captain smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford contributed a destructive 84 off 37 deliveries. Together, they helped West Indies reach 252/4 in just 18.3 overs
And after the match, Hope used a remarkably similar Instagram caption:
“250? Cool.”
It was a clever response to Gill’s earlier post and made the rivalry between the two captains even more interesting.
SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT!
Shai Hope is levelling up—ON and OFF the field!Image Credit: Shai Hope / S. Gill / IG
#IndvsWI #ShaiHope #ShubmanGill https://t.co/ctRkwU9vXx— Tezzbuzz (@Tezzbuzz) October 10, 2026
Shai Hope Is Answering India With His Bat Too
The most impressive thing about Shai Hope is that he is not just responding on social media. He is delivering consistently with the bat and leading West Indies in a fascinating manner.
In fact, Hope has now registered four consecutive 50-plus scores against India, including three centuries across the ODI and T20I formats.
His last four innings tell the entire story.
Shai Hope’s Last Four Innings Against India
| Date | Match | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 September | 2nd ODI | 104 | 94 |
| 3 October | 3rd ODI | 162* | 143 |
| 6 October | 1st T20I | 52 | 37 |
| 9 October | 2nd T20I | 102* | 45 |
These are extraordinary numbers from the West Indies captain, particularly against an Indian team playing at home.
Hope scored 104 in the second ODI, although West Indies eventually lost that match. He followed it with an unbeaten 162 in the third ODI, helping his side chase down 352 runs and register their highest successful ODI chase.
Even after the format changed, his consistency remained intact. He scored 52 in the first T20I before producing his unbeaten 102 in Ranchi.
West Indies Are Making India Fight for Every Victory
What makes this India-West Indies series so interesting is the way the Caribbean side are punching above their weight.
India entered the series as the stronger side on paper, but West Indies have repeatedly shown that they are capable of challenging the hosts.
In the second ODI, West Indies posted 405/7, only to see Gill’s double century take the match away from them.
However, they responded in the very next ODI by chasing down 352, their highest successful ODI chase.
Now, in the second T20I, West Indies have gone one step further by chasing 250, their highest successful run chase in T20 internationals. India also suffered their first defeat in a T20I after posting a total of 240 or more.
These performances show how competitive West Indies have become in this series. They are not allowing India to dominate easily, and every victory now has to be earned.
Shai Hope Is Leading West Indies From the Front
The biggest positive for West Indies has undoubtedly been the leadership and batting form of Shai Hope.
In the ODI series, he showed his ability to build long innings and chase difficult targets. In the T20I series, he has demonstrated that he can completely change his approach and dominate the opposition with aggressive batting.
His unbeaten 102 in Ranchi came at a strike rate of 226.67, which is remarkable for a batter generally known for his more controlled approach.
More importantly, he is setting an example for the rest of the team. Players such as Sherfane Rutherford are responding with equally fearless cricket.
And that is why Hope’s reported Instagram response to Shubman Gill makes this rivalry even more fascinating.
Gill made a statement with his bat and followed it up with a confident social media caption. Hope has now answered in similar fashion, both on the field and, apparently, off it.
With the five-match T20I series level at 1-1, the contest is becoming increasingly exciting.
Shai Hope is not just matching Shubman Gill’s confidence. He is matching India’s performances with his own bat and making sure West Indies remain a serious threat throughout the series.
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