Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda (Image Credits: Twitter)

Indian all-rounder Deepak Hooda opened up on how former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan backed him during his tough phase of life.

Hooda received his maiden call for the Indian team in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.

Hooda has played 74 List A matches and aggregated 2257 runs at an average of 38.25 and strike rate of 93.80 since 2014.

Deepak Hooda switched to the Rajasthan state team ahead of the 2021-22 domestic season

Hooda moved to the Rajasthan cricket team ahead of the 2021-22 domestic season after severing ties with the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).

Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda (Image Credit: Twitter)

The 26-year-old all-rounder was banned by the BCA for the 2020-21 season after he walked out of a training session because of a spat with Baroda captain Krunal Pandya.

Hooda scored a run-a-ball 109 against Karnataka in his final match for Rajasthan in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22.

I slowly got close to Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan: Deepak Hooda

Hooda said that the Pathan brothers, his former state teammates, helped him to calm himself and focus on the process of the game.

People wondered and doubts crept in pretty often, but Irfan bhai always told me one line, ‘Apna time aayega’,” Hooda told The Indian Express.

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“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.

Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan
Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan (Image Credit: Twitter)

“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 further added.

Irfan also congratulated the all-rounder while acknowledging the hard times he had to go through.

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