IRE vs IND: I Was A Bit Nervous But Ishan Kishan's Attacking Start Helped Me Ease Into It - Deepak Hooda
Indian batter Deepak Hooda was visibly nervous at the crease during the first T20I after he was promoted up the order in the absence of opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who sustained a minor niggle.
Hooda hung around in the initial stages, watching Ishan Kishan at the other end blaze away to an 11-ball 26. That knock helped ease the pressure on Hooda, who eventually played a winning hand (29-ball 47).
“Obviously, I was a bit nervous. But at the same time, there will be challenges in life, so I was facing the challenge and I am up for everything. The partnership with Hardik was quick and because of that, we moved ahead quickly in the game.”
“I didn’t plan specifically to hit a six or four, I just wanted to finish the game (winning shot). Ishan Kishan’s early attacking start helped me ease into the innings. I was able to take a bit of time. I really enjoyed opening. In the IPL also, I have batted at No. 3 and No. 4, so I was excited and was ready for it,” Hooda told Yuzvendra Chahal in an interview for the BCCI from Dublin.
“Shows a lot of his character” – Hardik Pandya on Deepak Hooda
Being able to perform after a sudden change in plans shows the character of Hooda, the skipper Hardik Pandya said after the game. Hooda’s knock included 6 fours and 2 sixes and he also scored the winning runs.
“Very happy for (Deepak) Hooda as well because to open (the innings) after being told at the last minute and then to go and finish the game shows a lot of his character. So very happy for him,” Hardik said in the post-match press conference.
The second and final T20I between India and Ireland takes place on June 28.
