Former Indian player Saba Karim feels India all-rounder Deepak Hooda has been a fantastic addition to the Indian squad in white-ball cricket. For a long time, Team India have searched for someone who could bat in the top six and could also bowl a few overs as well. Ever since Hooda made his India debut, he used his chances well. He is also one of just five players to have scored a T20I century for India. In the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies, he has also bowled quite a few overs as well.

Speaking on India News on Tuesday, Saba Karim said: “For me, Deepak Hooda is currently the biggest match-winner in the Indian white-ball team. He is turning out to be an incredible addition to the team and believes that he can contribute as an all-rounder. He is bowling with same confidence as he did in the IPL and is keen on getting better.”

Saba Karim has also been impressed with the way Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar have played match-winning knocks with the bat for their country.

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He said: “Bowling all-rounders like Jadeja, Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar have worked on their batting. So players have started to realize that to make their place in the Indian team, they need to add more to their repertoire. Specialist bowlers like Bumrah have also worked hard on their batting.”

Axar Patel has also played arguably his best knock in international cricket with 64* (35), helping India seal a thrilling series win over West Indies in the second ODI at Trinidad on Sunday.

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Saba Karim stated: “In his first game of the IPL 2022 season, Axar Patel won the game for the Delhi Capitals against the Mumbai Indians with his batting. He would have definitely felt that if he could score runs under such high pressure situation, he can also do it here. This has also increased the confidence of the team management in such players.”