Deepak Hooda considers himself a “warrior” when faced with the task of handling the new ball in bowlers’ friendly conditions. According to him, there is no other option but to face the challenges while batting at the top of the order.
Riding his powerful striking abilities, Hooda smashed a 57-ball 104 in India’s second T20 International against Ireland here on Tuesday. Batting at number three, Hooda became the fourth Indian batsman to score a century in the shortest format.
He said, ‘I have never opened in an international match, but being a top-order batsman you have to face challenges and you do not have any option. And if you have no choice then why don’t you go there like a warrior. I think so, and things turned my way. I am happy about it,” Hooda said after the match.
“I think on the ground about ‘how can I contribute to the team in that situation.’ I don’t think too much about it, try to keep things simple. Yes, it is a matter of pride for me that I am playing for India, whether I am scoring or not,” Hooda said.
After the dismissal of opener Ishan Kishan in the third over, Hooda hit his maiden T20I century with nine fours and six sixes.
“To be honest, the Irish team played really well against us and we enjoyed playing against them. “Between the first and second game, I think there was a pitch difference. In the first game it was cloudy and the wicket was wet. But today the wicket was good enough to bat, as is evident from the batting style of both the teams So I thought the wicket was a big factor.”
Hooda also revealed that the recent mindset change has helped him perform better.
“Being a cricketer, what I have learned recently is that you should not think too far ahead. No matter the series, watch only one match at a time. If my work ethic is good, I’ll be in a good place of mind and I’m going to score, that’s my thinking. Try to keep it simple, live in the present, play the situation well, and then the result will come automatically. Sooner or later, it will come,” Hooda said.
Hooda also praised Hardik Pandya for leading the team in the two-match series.
“Obviously, Haridak is progressing very well. He led a new franchise in the IPL and won the title. I am really happy for him and the way he is taking responsibility. I’m really proud of him, he’s doing great.”
During India’s innings, Hooda was involved in a record-breaking second wicket partnership of 176 runs with Sanju Samson, who scored a career-best 77 on his return to the team. This is the highest partnership for any wicket in the format by an India pair, surpassing the previous best of 165 by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.
“To be honest, I was coming from a good IPL and wanted to follow the same performance. happy with my intentions. I like to play that way (offensive) and these days I am batting down the order so I am getting some time. “Sanju is my childhood friend, it is always good to bat with him. Thank you to the fans for the way they came and supported us,” Hooda said.
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