Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckoned that Deepak Hooda has the potential to achieve newer heights in his international career in the next six to seven years. Hooda made his debut for Team India against the West Indies back in February this year. Last month, he became the sixth Indian batter after Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, KL Rahul, and Harmanpreet Kaur to score a century for the Indian team in T20Is.

Deepak Hooda surpassed the three-figure mark in the game against Ireland at The Village in Dublin. Irfan Pathan, who hung his boots from all forms of the game in January 2020, heaped praise on Hooda for working on his shortcomings and making his way into the national team.

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During a recent chat with ESPNCricinfo, Irfan Pathan said, “Two years ago, Hooda himself wondered if the India cap would come. Today, he is a shining example of someone who has proved if you accept your shortcomings and make a conscious effort in working on them, that’s half the battle won.”

He further added, “I am excited about what he can possibly offer to the Indian team. He’s just 27. If he offers India six-seven good years, he has the potential to achieve a lot more.”

Irfan Pathan also talked about the advice he gave Deepak Hooda when the latter was going through a rough phase in his career in domestic cricket.

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Former Indian all-rounder elaborated, “I told him, if you are playing and training expecting something in return, it’s never going to work. You have to train your mind in a way where you’re giving your best without expecting anything in return. If something comes your way, great. Else, keep at it.”