Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth lashed out at the West Indies captain Shai Hope after the latter’s team was knocked out of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The Windies suffered a five-wicket loss against India at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.

Hope could only manage 32 runs off 33 balls and thus played at a strike rate of less than 100. West Indies were able to post a competitive total of 195 runs on the board and they could have easily managed 210 runs if Hope had played at a better pace.

Hope scored three fours and one six and added 68 runs off 53 balls with Roston Chase, with latter scoring at a brisk rate.

Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “He just plays for himself every match. In the post-match interview, he was trying to blame Powell and Holder by saying they didn’t score enough at the end. You were the one who finished the West Indies with your batting. Yet, he never blamed himself. Making you captain was the biggest mistake.”

The 1983 World Cup-winning player said Hope wasted deliveries, which led to West Indies’ downfall against India.

“Shai Hope playing in the 11 itself is a waste. He should be inside as a non-playing captain. He should only give directions. He was just wasting balls with the bat. Someone else could have done that. You could have even sent Romario Shepherd to open instead,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

In fact, Romario Shepherd didn’t get his opportunity to bat after the West Indies posted 195-4 in their 20 overs. 

India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday whereas the West Indies will head back home.