Deepak Hooda wishing to make his debut in the upcoming tri-series

Indian captain Virat Kohli, along with MS Dhoni and a few other big names, has been rested for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on March 6. This gives a chance for the young and inexperienced players to perform, one of which in the squad is Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda.

The 22-year-old was called up to the national team last year in December as well, for the T20Is against Sri Lanka, but with all big players in the squad, apart from Virat Kohli who was away for his marriage, Hooda did not get to make his debut.

He has played 31 first class games

This time, however, he is hoping to get off the mark in the national team. A right-handed batsman and right-arm off break bowler, the Baroda cricketer has played 31 first class games in which he has amassed 2208 runs. He has also taken seven wickets. He also captained Baroda in the Ranji Trophy last year, after regular skipper Irfan Pathan was removed from his captaincy unceremoniously.

“This is an important series. I did not get a chance (to play) in the first series (in which I was selected), I hope that I will now get a chance and I am prepared for it. I will give my 110 percent,” Deepak Hooda told PTI.

He also revealed about the discussion he had with MS Dhoni when they shared the Indian team’s dressing room during the Sri Lanka series, and how he is applying his suggestions to himself.

“Yes that (being in the Indian dressing room) obviously helped. There are big players in the team, who have done so much for the nation. Speaking to them, you learn a lot,” he said.

“I asked MS (Dhoni), that being (batting) at number five, what should be my thinking and we discussed it and he told me (about it) and I am applying it,” Hooda added.

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