With Team India struggling with the latest outbreak of Covid-19, which has ruled out certain high profile players from the opening ODI against West Indies on Sunday (February 6), uncapped Deepak Hooda has taken the initiative to work as a utility player. Hooda, selected for the three-match ODI series will once again try to impress the team management, as he awaits for his International debut. On Wednesday (February 2), certain players tested positive for Covid-19, which has left the squad depleted. However, Hooda has insisted that he is ready to step in and provide the necessary cover.
"I am ready to bat at any position and I believe being a batter, you should be ready to bat at any position. I go with that mindset. The number does not matter when you are playing for the country, how you contribute for the country matters,” Hooda was quoted saying to India News.
Team India is already without opener and vice-captain KL Rahul, due to personnel reasons while backup opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is reported to have tested positive for Covid-19. This has left the opening slot vacant for at least the first ODI, while there could be vacant spots in the middle-order as well. Hooda's ability to bat and bowl can give him the added impetus as Team India search for replacements.
"I am an all-rounder only; it is not a new thing for me. I am playing as an all-rounder from under-19 itself. But yes, the situations did not come at times where I could have got the chance to bowl but I consider myself a utility player and a good all-rounder,” the 26-year-old Hooda asserted.
"I was waiting for this for a long time. I feel I am better prepared now, mentally as well. The way the selectors and the team have shown faith in me, I will give my more than 120% to score for my team, to take wickets for my team, to contribute to my team,” the versatile all-rounder said as he tries to make his international debut.
The Indian team recently struggled in South Africa, as they were unable to scalp wickets in the middle overs. The 26-year-old could be a perfect remedy for the team as they search for wickets and score important runs. The team is without Ravindra Jadeja, who is out with injury while the team management struggles to fill in his shoes.
The three-match ODI series starting on Sunday will see Rohit Sharma take charge of the Indian team for the first time on a permanent basis. He was appointed as the captain of the ODI side in December after Virat Kohli was sacked. All three matches in the ODI series will be played at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad while the T20I series will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
