Mumbai: All-rounder Deepak Hooda, who earned
his maiden India call up when the team for the T20 series
against Sri Lanka was announced, says he has learned a lot
from senior pro Yuvraj Singh.
The 22-year-old Hooda, who captains Baroda in the
domestic circuit, has amassed 2,208 runs in 31 first-class
matches. He has played against Yuvraj in domestic tournaments
and shared the dressing room with the veteran left-handed
batsman at Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"Look, you get a lot to learn from Yuvi Paa (Yuvraj
Singh). All the way, he used to tell me how (how to play), how
to bat at different situations, he always spoke about my
strengths, told me about my weaknesses, how to react to a
bowler, how to take the team ahead," the Rohtak-born Hooda
told PTI.
"Yuvi Paa is like a role model for me. And in the two
years, I have learned a lot from him and will apply them," he
quipped.
Interestingly, in a Ranji Trophy game last year, Hooda
has scored 293 against a Yuvraj-led Punjab side. And in the
same match, Yuvraj too had hit a double hundred.
Hooda's joy knew no bounds when he got the news about his
selection in the national team, and the budding all-rounder,
is looking to learn from the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and
Rohit Sharma.
"My feeling (at the moment) is very good. It is a dream
come true for my family. I am feeling good," he added.
"I will try and learn maximum things (after being with
the team). I will observe how Dhoni bhai (M S Dhoni), Rohit
bhai (Rohit Sharma), and all other players react (to
situations), and that will be a learning," he added.
Hooda, who was part of the India A team that played
against New Zealand A, also felt that being an all-rounder
helps him.
"Yes, I being an all-rounder will obviously benefit me. I
am an all-rounder and presently doing both the things (batting
and bowling) good. I am feeling confident about my batting and
bowling. I will give my 110 per cent," said the right-arm
off-break bowler and right-handed batsman.
He "idolises" former English cricketer Kevin Peterson.
"To be honest, I very much admire Kevin Peterson. When I
have started watching cricket, I admired Peterson, for the way
he played," Hooda signed off. PTI
