Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 26 -- As the West Indies aim to secure a perfect combination and consistency leading up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers, their batting mainstay Shai Hope will have a crucial role to play, starting from the first ODI against India at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

After not qualifying for the 2023 edition, WI once again missed a chance for direct qualification after failing to finish in the top eight of the ODI Rankings. As the two-time champions seek a rebuild and a ticket to South Africa, West Indies will hope in Hope.

Hope, having managed 19 ODI tons, an average of over 50 in 155 ODIs so far, has a phenomenal record in India. In 14 ODIs in the cricket-crazy nation, Hope has scored 741 runs at an a...