'Difficult to describe the feeling in words' - Deepak Hooda ecstatic after India call-up for West Indies series

Rajasthan all-rounder Deepak Hooda who was last part of the Indian side in 2017, has earned his maiden call-up to India’s ODI squad after a brilliant stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021-22. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old could not get a game in Indian colours last time around as he was benched throughout and he had to wait for five years for another chance. The right-hander has been named in the 18-member ODI squad to take on West Indies for a three-match home series.

Hooda had to go through a tough phase last year as he reported a verbal spat with Krunal Pandya in the Baroda side and had left the bio bubble. He moved to the Rajasthan side for the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and started the IPL 2021 with a bang for the Punjab Kings as well. Along with Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan have also been presented with their maiden call ups to the Indian ODI side.

One of the most rewarding moments, says Deepak Hooda

Hooda mentioned that he still can’t believe his eyes after being called up to the national side and noted the difficulties he had to face for the last year or so. He credited the Pathan brothers for helping him out in tough times and felt elated to get the rewards finally.

“It still hasn’t sunk in. The last year was certainly a roller-coaster, but with the help of Irfan bhai (Irfan Pathan), Yusuf bhai (Yusuf Pathan), and all the members of my family, I could overcome the odds and again dream big. It is difficult to describe the feeling in words, but for sure, this is one of the most rewarding moments.” Hooda told Sportstar

“It took me five years to get another opportunity. To be honest, ahead of every season, I thought that this time I would break into the team, but that never happened. But the last one year taught me that you have to wait for your opportunity,” he added

Hooda has played for various IPL franchises over the years after starting at Rajasthan Royals in 2014 and the big lad is expected to solve India’s search for a batter in the middle order who can roll his arm over as well.