India’s trouble against right-arm off-spin has been exposed in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The teams have exploited the new-found chink in the armour of firepower-packed Indian lineup. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha did it in Colombo, Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt did it and South Africa skipper Aiden Markram did it as well. After thrashing Zimbabwe to continue their winning run, Shai Hope was asked whether he will unleash off-spin in the powerplay overs as well. Hope tried to create some mystery and remained tight-lipped on the combination the Caribbean side will use against the co-hosts.
"Got to wait and see, who knows," said Hope in the post-match press conference on February 23.
"Like I said, when I flick the toss and hand in my team, then we all know who is playing on that day – so stay tuned," he added.
ALSO READ: 'We know India are going to...': Zimbabwe coach wants players to learn from West Indies loss
Hope will have to bring back Roston Chase to use right-arm off-spinner against India’s top-order packed with left-handers. Abhishek Sharma has been dismissed twice for a duck by off-spinners whereas Ishan Kishan fell in the Super 8 encounter. Tilak Varma hasn’t got going against the off-spinners as well.
However, Hope benched Chase for the clash against Zimbabwe to bring in Romario Shepherd. The change worked in two-time T20 World Champions’ favour as Shepherd contributed with a 10-ball 21 cameo. He did not need to bowl as left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie combined to take seven wickets, helping their side bowl out Zimbabwe for 147 in 17.4 overs.
Hope’s form in T20 World Cup 2026
Before the Super 8 game at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Chase had played in all three group stage encounters. Against England, he bagged the wickets of Jos Buttler and skipper Harry Brook. Earlier in the game, he had batted at no.4 and scored 34 runs from 29 deliveries. Against Nepal, he bowled two overs, conceded 10 runs and got one wicket. He didn't get to bowl against Italy. He struggled to score freely, managing 24 runs from 25 balls after West Indies lost Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer cheaply.
With plenty of left-handers in the Indian side, it is possible that Hope makes the tough call to drop one of the left-arm spinners and bring back Chase in the side.
Currently, West Indies are focused on the task at hand. They will face South Africa on February 26 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Their last Super 8 match is against India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 1.