Deepak Hooda has already become an essential part of the new Lucknow Super Giants franchise. The all-rounder has been in remarkable form with the bat and has already notched up two half-centuries in three matches rescuing LSG lower down the order.
However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 26-year-old as 2021 had proved to be quite a roller-coaster year for him. Hooda is glad that it came at a ‘young age’ which made him learn a lot of lessons.
Deepak Hooda was involved in a very messy and publicized tiff with Krunal Pandya who had apparently disrespected him in front of the team’s juniors. Pandya, as Baroda captain, had the back of the administration and Deepak Hooda was suspended by the state association for a season. He eventually secured a transfer to Rajasthan.
Despite such a massive ordeal, Hooda didn’t let it affect his form and he looked in sublime tough for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He also found success in domestic cricket which paved the way for him to make his debut for Team India in the same year.
Ahead of the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hooda was asked by Deep Dasgupta about that period in his career, to which he replied, “To be honest, it was a very good time. I learned a lot of things. I was in the middle of my process and, as I have said in a chat with you before, I believe in my processes. I got to learn a lot. I am blessed that it all happened at a young age because then you can recover as well learn a lot.”
The all-rounder has now been reunited with Krunal Pandya at Lucknow Super Giants and so far, all has seemed well between the two. Pictures of the two players hugging on the field and celebrating went viral on social media.
Hooda has also mentioned that he has been carrying the confidence after making his Team India and that LSG team mentor Gautam Gambhir also shares valuable inputs with him. “100%, sir. I am carrying that confidence but at the same time, the team management also backs me a lot. Gauti bhai talks with a similar hunger that I have for the game and I like that attitude. The way he was as a player and the way he talks with the players now, is very motivating for me.”
