Deepak Hooda credits Yuvraj’s guidance for improved performance

Deepak Hooda has been one of the youngsters taking a lot of media attention ever since he made his IPL debut last year. Drafted into Sunrisers Hyderabad camp this year, the youngster credited senior pro Yuvraj Singh for helping him become a better cricketer.

The Sunrisers won a thrilling game against the Kolkata Knight Riders to make it to the Qualifier 2 of the tournament and are now just a win away from the big finals. Hooda has been one of the revelations for them this season among the young Indian lot. Talking to the iplt20.com after the win against the Knight Riders, Hooda spoke on the new franchise and his game.

When asked if he prepares for cameos like the one he played in the Eliminator, he said things do not change much in the game. He continues playing his natural game. He said despite not scoring big runs, he is still high on confidence.

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“Whatever practice I had to do I had done before the IPL (started). However, here in this tournament one gets (to) face quality bowlers and also quality practice sessions. Although I have not scored as many runs as I would have liked, my confidence level is good. I am able to connect the ball well and the way the support staff is supporting me has helped me bat confidently,” quoted the right-handed batsman.

He also said that playing in the IPL definitely polishes up the game of a young cricketer. “Your game does get polished (better) because of the practice sessions and the one-on-one talks with the coaches,” he quoted.

Hooda wasn’t shy in admitting the advice that Yuvraj gave him when he walked in to bat at a crucial stage of the game. He accepted that Yuvi handled him really well. “He told me that we will have to take the game as far as we can. We will take fewer risks initially in the first two-three overs and after that once we are set, then we will be able to hit the ball better. He handled me really well and guided me,” said Hooda on what Yuvraj told him at the crease.

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He further credited Yuvraj’s guidance in the net sessions for his improved batting. He pointed out that the southpaw keeps guiding him and tells him different things in the nets. He also thanked Tom Moody and VVS Laxman for backing him at crunch times.

“Yuvi paa helps me a lot with my cricket; he keeps telling me different things in the nets as well. And to be honest VVS sir and Tom sir (Moody) have motivated and backed me a lot. And if such big players and former players are backing you it is a big motivator to go out there and perform,” said Deepak Hooda.