By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
West Indies captain Shai Hope is living up to his name, emerging as his team’s biggest batting hope on the ongoing tour of India. After scoring two centuries in the ODI series, the right-handed batter has struck two more hundreds in the T20 internationals, underlining his remarkable form across formats.
Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 50 balls powered West Indies to a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The win levelled the five-match series 2-2, setting up a decisive final match in Bengaluru on Oct 17.
The 32-year-old had earlier struck an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls in the second T20I in Ranchi, helping West Indies chase down India’s imposing total of 249 with six wickets in hand. His latest century made him the first West Indies player to score three centuries in men’s T20 internationals, surpassing Chris Gayle’s tally of two.
Hope has amassed 261 runs in four matches in the current T20I series, averaging an extraordinary 130.50. His scores have been 52, 102 not out, 5 and 102 not out. The two unbeaten innings have significantly boosted his average, while his ability to score quickly has given West Indies a major advantage.
His outstanding run began in the three-match ODI series against India. Although West Indies lost the series 1-2, Hope made a strong impression with centuries of 104 and 162 not out. His unbeaten 162 in the third ODI powered West Indies to a historic chase of 352, their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
Hope finished the ODI series with 278 runs at an average of 92.67. His performances in both formats have demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings as well as accelerate when the situation demands.
The West Indies captain has also shown that he can deliver under pressure. His century in the second T20I helped his side recover from early setbacks, while his latest hundred gave the visitors a commanding total of 247 for three.
With the T20I series level at 2-2, West Indies will look to Hope once again in the final match. If he continues in the same vein, India will have a formidable challenge on their hands.