It has been one of the most successful IPL seasons for Deepak Hooda: Wasim Jaffer

After making his debut in the Indian Premier League 2015, Deepak Hooda has been known primarily as the power-hitter, who donned the role of a finisher in the last few editions. However, after making his debut for the Indian team earlier this year, the 27-year-old has been terrific for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) this season. Ahead of the team’s fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the former Indian cricketers, Mohammad Azharuddin and Wasim Jaffer discussed Hooda’s form in the ongoing season.

Jaffer thinks that Rohtak-born Hooda has owned the number three position with his consistent performances. He reckoned that it has been one of the most successful seasons for Hooda, where he has grabbed his chances well to provide a platform for the team. The former opener mentioned that Hooda has already hit three fifties in a single season, wherein he had the same number of half-centuries ahead of this season. In 11 matches of IPL 2022, Hooda has 320 runs at an average of close to 30.

“I think Deepak Hooda has owned the number three position by his performances. Although he has been playing in the IPL for the last many years, I think it has been one of the most successful seasons for him, where he has made three fifties. He is also getting his chances and performing consistently,” said Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Team management should not change the batting position of Hooda: Mohammad Azharuddin

Azharuddin thinks Hooda has grabbed his chances doing quite well for the LSG team. He further compared Hooda with Manish Pandey and thinks the latter has been dropped due to his inconsistencies in most of his appearances this season. The former Indian captain urged the team management to not change the batting position of the 27-year-old, as he has been in good form. In the ongoing fixture against KKR, Hooda has slammed 41 off 27 balls and played a key role to help the team in posting a strong total on the board.

“He got his chances and has grabbed it well. Although Manish Pandey is a talented batter and fielder, he has not been consistent with his scores this season. I think Hooda has been impressive, his batting position should not change. A batter prepares himself for that position, and if you shift his position, loss happens to the team only,” said Azharuddin.