As a top-order batter, you've no option but to play like a 'warrior': Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda was named the Player of the Series in the recently concluded two-match T20I series against Ireland after scoring an impressive 151 runs in his two outings. The flamboyant batter has now opened up about his experience and the mentality he adopted while opening the innings in the first T20I.

Hooda became only the fourth Indian to register a century in T20Is for India after scoring a fabulous 104 in the second T20I. He was also involved in a record-breaking 176-run stand with Sanju Samson. The right-hander enjoyed a prolific season with the bat in IPL 2022 and was rewarded with a selection in the national team, but he did not feature in the T20I series against South Africa.

The middle-order batter revealed his thought process when he was sent in to open the innings for India in the first T20I when regular opener Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up a niggle.

“I’ve never opened in an international game, but being a top-order batsman, you have to cope up to the challenges, and you don’t have any option. And if you don’t have an option, then why don’t you go there like a warrior. That’s how I think, and things turned in my way. I’m happy about that,” Hooda said after the match.

It’s a matter of pride for me that I’m playing for India: Deepak Hooda

Hooda also credited Hardik Pandya for his captaincy role for the Indian team and praised the way he has taken responsibility and led the team in the series. The top-order batter thanked the fans for their support in the recently concluded series. He stated that no matter how many runs he scores for the team, playing for India is always a proud moment for him.

“Obviously, Hardik is leading very well. He led a new franchise in the IPL and they won the title. I’m really happy for him and the way he’s taking responsibility. I’m really proud of him, he’s doing very well. Yes, it’s a matter of pride for me that I’m playing for India, no matter if I’m scoring or not,” Hooda added.