All-rounder Deepak Hooda had an impressive debut during the 1st ODI against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Hooda remained unbeaten on 26 as the hosts secured a clinical win to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
With a couple of cricketers unavailable of selection and few out after contracting COVID-19, the management handed Deepak Hooda the debut cap on the back of successful domestic records.
Ahead of the start of the series opener, former captain, Virat Kohli handed the India cap to the all-rounder. The Baroda-born all-rounder stated that it was a special moment to receive the cap from Kohli.
Taking to social media site Twitter, the 26-year-old Hooda wrote:
“Truly honoured and blessed on getting the opportunity to represent my country. A very special and dream come true moment for me to receive the cap from @imVkohli bhaiya. Thank you to each and everyone involved in this wonderful journey!!”
Truly honoured and blessed on getting the opportunity to represent my country🇮🇳💙
A very special and dream come true moment for me to receive the cap from @imVkohli bhaiya.
Thank you to each and everyone involved in this wonderful journey!! pic.twitter.com/7bTTbPAWLa— Deepak Hooda (@HoodaOnFire) February 6, 2022
“His confidence was spot on though” – Suryakumar Yadav on Deepak Hooda
India produced a clinical effort as they bowled out West Indies for 176 runs, riding on a four-wicket haul from Yuzvendra Chahal and a three-wicket haul on Washington Sundar.
Chasing a below-par total, Rohit Sharma got India off to a flying start before a steady 62-run stand took the men in blues over the line. Deepak Hooda remained unbeaten on 26 off 32 balls while Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with an unbeaten 34.
Speaking at the end of the game, Suryakumar heaped praise on the debutant, saying that Deepak Hooda was in complete control of the game.
“Things were really clear, he (Hooda) has played a lot of domestic cricket, so he knew the situation really well. So we were having little conversations and setting little goals (in our partnership). His confidence was spot on though,” said Suryakumar after the game.
The second ODI of the series is scheduled on February 9 (Wednesday) in Ahmedabad.
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