It is a dream come true for my family: Deepak Hooda

Young Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda recently received his maiden national call-up when the Indian team for the Sri Lanka T20I series was announced. The selectors opted for a young team for the 3-match series. Hooda was one of the beneficiaries of this new approach of the selectors. This is not the first time when Deepak Hooda will be rubbing shoulders with the big names.

Hooda has been a big name in the Indian Premier League. He has represented the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. As per the quotes in NDTV, Deepak Hooda noted that he has learnt a great deal from the likes of Yuvraj Singh in the SRH camp. He remarked that Yuvraj pointed out his strengths and weaknesses that helped him a lot.

“Look, you get a lot to learn from Yuvi Paa (Yuvraj Singh). All the way, he used to tell me how (how to play), how to bat at different situations, he always spoke about my strengths, told me about my weaknesses, how to react to a bowler, how to take the team ahead. Yuvi Paa is like a role model for me. And in the two years, I have learned a lot from him and will apply them,” quoted Deepak Hooda.

On getting the national call

Speaking about national call up that he recently received, he exclaimed that it is a dream come true for him and his family. He hopes to learn from the senior members like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. He is keen on picking up their brains at crucial situations.

“My feeling (at the moment) is very good. It is a dream come true for my family. I am feeling good. I will try and learn maximum things (after being with the team). I will observe how Dhoni bhai (M S Dhoni), Rohit bhai (Rohit Sharma), and all other players react (to situations), and that will be a learning,” he added further.

On his role model

Commenting further, Deepak Hooda remarked that he idolizes former English batsman Kevin Pietersen. He admitted that he has always admired the way Pietersen approached his game. He is confident of giving his hundred per cent on the field for the national side now.

“Yes, I being an all-rounder will obviously benefit me. I am an all-rounder and presently doing both the things (batting and bowling) good. I am feeling confident about my batting and bowling. I will give my 110 per cent. To be honest, I very much admire Kevin Peterson. When I have started watching cricket, I admired Peterson, for the way he played,” Hooda conceded.