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Cricket has the ability to change people's lives by cutting across barriers and ethnicities. Indian cricketer Deepak Hooda’s incredible journey from the streets of Rohtak to the World stage is just one example of an inspirational journey. It is a monument to commitment, tenacity and passion. Let's explore Deepak Hooda’s extraordinary career and how he came to be a rising star in the cricket world as he prepared for the T20 World Cup.
Deepak Hodda had a fantastic 2022 and he made his debut in the T20I World Cup. He had then played in 12 games and in 9 T20I innings for India and scored around 293 runs at an amazing strike rate of 155 which included a century against Ireland. Also, in IPL 2022, the Lucknow batsman had a breakout season and scored 451 runs at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 136.
Hooda’s inclusion in India’s Asia Cup roster and T20I spot in the 15-man World Cup squad was not solely due to these reasons. Although his batting significantly contributed to earning him a spot in the Indian team the 27 years old ability to contribute with the ball majorly influenced his selection over players like Shreyas Iyer who was in reserves and Sanju Samson who was not even in the reserves but had comparable batting numbers to Hooda in the IPL 2022.
The selection committee relied heavily on Deepak Hooda's bowling, namely his ability to contribute with his occasional off-spin. He was so important to the team that the management chose to start him over Axar Patel in the Asia Cup games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka which both India lost.
Deepak Hooda bowled more than 2000 deliveries in his List-A plus T20 career and the management has some share of credit in his improvement. However, one thing that is important to remember is that bowling in high-stakes international cricket presents a whole different task. Hooda has bowled more than 2,000 deliveries in his List-A plus T20 career, thus the management deserves some credit for that.
However, one must remember that bowling in high-stakes international cricket presents a whole different task. As India finished the Asia Cup with par scores that Pakistan and Sri Lanka chased down, this decision by the Indian management to use Hooda as a finisher rather than the middle-order slots where he is more effective as a spin basher met with a lot of doubts and criticism.
Setbacks are a necessary part of any athlete's journey and when Hooda's performances suffered he was cut from the Baroda team and experienced a challenging period. However, in these trying times a true player’s character emerges. Hooda put a lot of effort into improving his game and showing great resilience. He made a stunning comeback and soon cemented his position in some of India’s International matches.
The journey of Deepak Hooda from the path of Rohtak to the international platform of the T20I World Cup is evidence of the strength of dreams and the fortitude to face obstacles. Numerous young cricketers who are severely trying to establish themselves in sports can find inspiration in his narrative. Hooda’s story serves as a reminder of how important it is to develop potential and create an environment where one can grow regardless of one’s background.
FAQs
What are some Notable Accomplishments of Deepak Hooda?
One of the best achievements of Deepak Hooda till now is his T20I maiden century he hit and became the fourth Indian to strike a century in T20 international matches.
What IPL Team Deepak Hooda Played for?
Deepak Hooda has participated in IPL matches for the Rajasthan Royal, SUnrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab in the past. In IPL 2023 the all-rounder is a member of the Lucknow SuperGiants.
