Picked because I did well for India A: Deepak Hooda

The Indian selectors have announced a pretty inexperienced squad for the T20I games against Sri Lanka and one of the new faces who have managed to get a look in is Deepak Hooda, who is a middle order batsman and bowls a bit of part time off spin had first come into limelight in the Indian Premier League a few years ago playing for Rajasthan Royals.

He had impressed a lot of people with his big hitting ability especially against the spinners, but the form that he showed in his first IPL season, he couldn’t replicate that in the domestic circuit in India and fell off the radar of the national selectors. However recently he has had a good time playing first class Cricket for Baroda and he did well playing for India A as well when the New Zealand A side toured India a couple of months back to play One day games.

Hooda himself also acknowledges that it was a couple of good outings with the bat that he had against the A side of the Kiwis which has earned him his national call-up, “I believe my performance for India A has been awarded now.” Said Hooda while talking to Indian Express

Ready to bat anywhere

Generally Hooda is someone who likes to play in the middle order, but he has no preference for his batting position as he is going to join the national side. According to the 22-year-old, contributing to the team is the most important thing for him and he is ready to bat at whichever position the captain and the management ask him to.

“Right now, I don’t have any expectations for batting at a certain position. Instead of that, contributing to team’s success is my priority.” Hooda remarked.

Want to learn from seniors

Hooda has played alongside some reputed international cricketers already, having been a part of the IPL for the last 3-4 years. He reckons whatever experience he has gained from the IPL will surely stand him in good stead in international Cricket, but he is looking forward to learning more from the legendary Cricketers like MS Dhoni.

“IPL’s experience will come handy and whatever I can learn from seniors here will be a bonus for me.” Hooda signed off.