Former Indian Selector Kris Srikkanth (Image Credits: Twitter)
Former Indian Selector Kris Srikkanth (Image Credits: Twitter)

Team India has not yet selected their final 15 players for the T20 World Cup, which will start in Australia later in October. The five-match T20I series against West Indies is still in the experimental stage for the Rohit Sharma-led team. The next two games of the series will be contested in Florida over the weekend, with India now holding a 2-1 advantage over the hosts. 

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the former captain and top selector of India, has hailed the 27-year-old India star as a “strong candidate” for the tournament. Prior to the team’s selection, every cricket expert and former player offered their predictions for their perfect 15 for the World Cup. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2022
ICC T20 World Cup 2022 (Credits: Twitter)

Deepak Hooda Is A Strong Contender For T20 World Cup: Kris Srikkanth

All-rounder Deepak Hooda, who has emerged as a surprise in T20 cricket over the past few months, has received nothing but praise from Srikkanth.

After demonstrating his value as a power hitter for the Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL 2022, Hooda was quickly recruited by the Indian management for the subsequent white-ball series. Hooda has been impressive at the top of the order in the absence of major stars, and he even set a record tonne in Ireland. 

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Deepak Hooda. PC- Getty
Deepak Hooda. (Photo: Getty)

During the third T20I between India and the West Indies, Srikkanth boldly asserted Hooda as a very strong candidate for the final 15 in the T20 World Cup while speaking to Fan Code.

He acknowledged that he admired Hooda’s independence when batting and praised the 27-year-old as an intelligent bowler. 

“Deepak Hooda is a strong contender for the T20 World Cup. I am telling you today as the former chairman of the selection committee. I am absolutely sure he will be in the final 15 for the World Cup in Australia. I don’t go by numbers.

Can Hooda deliver in Australia in the World Cup in Melbourne? Yes. How much? 60-40. What I like about him is guts. I like guys who play with freedom. And he is also a very good bowler. He is an intelligent bowler. He is a strong, strong contender for the final 15,” he said. 

Deepak Hooda (Image Credits: Twitter)
Deepak Hooda (Image Credits: Twitter)

In Lauderhill, Florida, India will play their fourth T20I against the West Indies on Saturday before playing the series finale there on Sunday. 

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