Deepak Hooda recently opened up on his equation with the Pathan brothers – Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan and how their advice to remain calm when he was restless during the initial phase of his career helped him as well. However, Hooda got a surprise call-up in India’s ODI squad for three-match series against West Indies. The all-rounder earlier was part of India’s squad for the Nidhas Trophy 2018 but he didn’t get a single game to play as well.
Hooda has revealed that he asked Irfan why he wasn’t getting a chance to play for India and the former all-rounder replies his time will come soon as well. “People wondered and doubts crept in pretty often, but Irfan bhai always told me one line, ‘Apna time aayega’,” Hooda told The Indian Express.
“I slowly got close to Irfan bhai and Yusuf (Pathan) bhai. They taught me to be calm, they made me realise the power of calmness. As a youngster it was natural to be restless and I was no exception. It was hampering my game. At times, I tried too hard. Tried to overdo things that weren’t needed,” he further added.
READ HERE: Gary Kirsten all set to work with Hardik Pandya
Deepak Hooda was the second-highest run-getter in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 with 294 runs in 6 matches which came at an average of 73.50. The 26-year-old also recalled how Irfan Pathan taught him the importance of preparation and process which also helped him maintain a good work ethic as well.
“I remember Irfan bhai telling me the importance of preparation and process. Doing the same thing over and over again, without expecting anything from anyone. So, be it the gym sessions, training at the nets and following a strict diet; I always maintained a good work ethic. It paid off,” he again said.
READ HERE: India will struggle if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma don’t score, says Mohammad Hafeez
“I saw the ups and downs and then everyone knows what happened in Baroda. I moved to another state last year. It was a new journey but Rajasthan welcomed me. All the hard work has paid off. I didn’t get an answer initially, why I was picked and why I was dropped. It was a challenging time. I wanted to know why I was not picked. I became desperate, desperate to be picked again and just wanted to be in the team,” Deepak Hooda again shared.
“I would also like to thank Anil bhai, because Punjab Kings gave me a chance in two IPL seasons, people there saw that I still have something in me. I always backed myself. I always believed… Try, try until your last breath,” Deepak Hooda concluded.
