shy hope His return to white ball cricket IPL 2026 This has made it one of the most attractive exotic options at the auction. west indies The captain is in excellent form, recently he New Zealand Scored a brilliant century in the second ODI against. Known for his ability to provide stability to his innings and accelerate when required, Hope provides stability as well as flexibility — something that is highly valued in franchise cricket.

Additionally, his leadership experience as West Indies ODI captain adds another dimension to his profile, making him a desirable choice for teams looking to strengthen their middle-order and leadership group in the dressing room. Many franchises are looking for experienced wicketkeeper-batsmen and reliable middle-order performers, so Hope is expected to attract strong attention when the auction begins.

5 teams that could target Shai Hope in IPL 2026

1. Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals are known for supporting technically strong players who can adapt to different roles, and Hope fits this mold perfectly. Having already been a part of the DC squad last season, Hope is familiar with the setup, culture and expectations of the franchise. His calm nature may help DC overcome the problem of falling in bunches of wickets in the middle overs.

Additionally, Hope’s wicketkeeping skills provide the Capitals with flexibility in team combinations, allowing them to play an extra all-rounder when required.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders quinton de kock Has left a glaring gap in his wicketkeeping department moving on. KKR prefers multi-faceted overseas players, and Hope brings exactly that — batting depth, consistency, experience and leadership. His ability to play spin makes him a particularly valuable option at Eden Gardens, known for assisting the slower bowlers.

KKR faced problems of middle-order collapse in important matches last season. Hope’s composure and his natural role as an anchor to the power hitters around him such as andre russell And Rinku Singh Can match perfectly with. Gautam Gambhir Known for valuing calm, thinking cricketers, Hope fits in well with the franchise’s strategic approach.

3. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals long time captain sanju samson Has entered a new phase by being traded to Chennai Super Kings. The move leaves a huge void — not just as a captain and wicketkeeper, but also as a reliable middle-order performer. Hope emerges as a premium option that can handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

RR have fielded a young top-order, and they need an experienced player to guide them in the middle overs, especially in high-pressure chases. Hope’s temperament and innings-making ability make him an ideal candidate. His leadership experience new captain Yashasvi Jaiswal Can also support, providing strategic input and peacekeeping on the field.

4. Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings Prabhsimran Singh But finding a foreign wicketkeeper-batsman remains a priority for them. For years, PBKS has lacked a reliable middle-order anchor — a player who can absorb pressure, rotate the strike, and bat deep into the innings. Hope ticks all the boxes.

His ability to read game situations and adapt his scoring tempo could help PBKS overcome their long-standing batting inconsistency. marcus stoinis and captain Shreyas Iyer As with aggressive hitters, Hope’s stability role becomes even more valuable. His wicketkeeping gives PBKS more strategic flexibility in their overseas selection.

5.Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians Ryan Rickleton As their primary wicketkeeper-batsman, the franchise is known for building a strong bench strength—a major reason for their continued success. Hope fits perfectly into MI’s philosophy of having reliable backups who can step in seamlessly when required.

Hope’s experience in different conditions and his steady batting style could be invaluable on the slow surfaces of Wankhede towards the end of the season or when MI need a cool finisher. Additionally, with MI likely to rotate players during the long tournament, the presence of a seasoned professional like Hope ensures stability.