Deepak Hooda - A young all rounder with a lot of potential

Deepak Hooda (R)

Sometimes, luck plays a very vital role in the career of an upcoming cricketer. The player under reference here is Deepak Hooda, an all rounder for India under 19s, who gave a substantial contribution in all the four matches of the World Cup. He excelled both with bat and ball. Let us have a look at the background of this promising youngster.

His full name is Deepak Jagbir Hooda. A native of Rohtak, Haryana, Hooda was born on 19-04- 1995 and he is 18 years of age. He is a right hand batsman and a right arm off break bowler, who has represented Baroda. He made his T20 debut in March 2013, while playing for Baroda against Gujarat at Ahmedabad.

His record in the U19 World Cup was very good. In the crucial quarter final match against England played in Dubai on 22 February, he was the highest scorer for India under 19s. He also took a wicket with his off breaks. Also, while playing against PNG, he had taken 2 wickets for just 5 runs. Earlier, in the match against Scotland, he had given a contribution of vital 24 runs and remained not out. He did not bowl in that match.

But his most valuable contribution in the tournament was seen on 15th February, when in the important match against arch rivals Pakistan, he not only scored a quick fire 22, but excelled with the ball as well. That victory over the Pakistan was purely based on the stunning bowling performance of Deepak Hooda, as he took 5 wickets for just 41 runs.

He is a very hard working and committed cricketer. He takes his time before playing his strokes and has shown the ability to improvise instantly. He plays in a very bold and fearless manner. He times his shots well and his running between the wickets is really good.

He has got a cool and contented temperament, as a result of which Deepak is a decent finisher. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that in the 4 matches he had played in this tournament, he remained not out on 2 occasions. Thus, his batting average for the World Cup comes to a little more than 58 – which is considered excellent.

It is too early to say anything, but it surely appears that we have got a talented and consistent player who needs to be nourished under professional training. Hopefully, he will be able to contribute effectively for team India in the near future.