IPL 2021: Deepak Hooda’s Father Happy After Son’s Brilliant Batting Against Rajasthan Royals, Says Pathan Brothers Motivated Him After Suspension  

Deepak Hooda silenced his critics after coming to the spotlight with brilliant batting against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. For Punjab Kings, Hooda played a quickfire knock of 64 runs off 28 deliveries.

Now, Deepak Hooda’s father Jagbir Hooda has opened up about the tough phase that his son had to go through earlier this year. He was also very happy with his son’s performance during the Punjab Kings’ first match of IPL 2021.

Deepak Hooda, who also plays for Baroda at the domestic level, was suspended by the association after a scuffle with Baroda’s skipper Krunal Pandya. Due to the suspension, Hooda could not play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. His father also revealed that Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan motivated and encouraged his son after the suspension.

Irfan Pathan And Yusuf Pathan Motivated My Son: Deepak Hooda’s Father

Deepak Hooda’s father said that his son had to face a tough time due to his Baroda teammates. “It was a very tough phase for Deepak. He was facing a tough time due to his teammates. Living in a bio-bubble ahead of a tournament and being away from family made things worse.

“He did raise his voice to the treatment he was meted out, but, unfortunately, was banned for a season. He was down and needed counselling and support,” said Jagbir Hodda.

He also said that Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan helped his son in the training and gave a lot of support by motivating him.

“That’s when Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan stepped in. They looked after Deepak and were there for him at the nets. He missed playing for the state (Baroda).  The Pathan brothers provided Deepak with the motivation and encouragement he required after he was suspended.

“He needed to be mentally strong as everyone was pointing fingers at him after the suspension. They would go to the Gujarat Police ground and the Moti Bagh ground and train for hours on both the red soil and black soil,” said Jagbir Hooda, who has worked in the administrative office of the Indian Air Force for 29 years.

Jagbir Hooda was also very happy with his son’s performance in the first match against Punjab Kings.

“He put all his energy in training. And then he knew he could make an impression in the IPL and show the world his talent. I am happy he played brilliantly against Rajasthan Royals,” he further said.

Batting at number four for Punjab Kings against Rajasthan Royals, Deepak Hooda smashed 6 sixes and 4 boundaries to pile a lot of runs for the team during the middle overs. He batted at a strike rate of 228.57 for his 28-ball-64, as viewers were thrilled to watch his batting. Hooda ended on a winning end after Punjab Kings defeated Rajasthan Royals by 4 runs in the match.