If he offers India six-seven good years, he has the potential to achieve a lot more – Irfan Pathan on Deepak Hooda

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Deepak Hooda has the potential to achieve a lot more if he offers six-seven years to Indian cricket. Hooda has impressed with his batting skills in the recent past and he has shown the skills to go a long way in his career.

Hooda had a great run in the Tata IPL 2022 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. The right-hander had scored 451 runs in 14 innings at an average of 32.21 and a strike rate of 136.66 in the tournament.

Hooda has been in good form and many experts believe he was unlucky to be dropped from the second T20I against England after Virat Kohli returned to the team. The right-hander had scored a fine hundred in the second T20I against Ireland as he had scored 104 runs off just 57 balls.

The 27-year-old from Rohtak had also scored 33 runs off just 17 balls in the first T20I against England.

Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan revealed that two years ago, Deepak Hooda was doubtful if he would receive the Indian cap.

“Two years ago, Hooda himself wondered if the India cap would come. Today, he is a shining example of someone who has proved if you accept your shortcomings and make a conscious effort in working on them, that’s half the battle won. I am excited about what he can possibly offer to the Indian team. He’s just 27. If he offers India six-seven good years, he has the potential to achieve a lot more,” Pathan told ESPNCricinfo.

Former Indian all-rounder had advised Hooda to train and practice without expecting the returns and just give his best.

“I told him, if you are playing and training expecting something in return, it’s never going to work. You have to train your mind in a way where you’re giving your best without expecting anything in return. If something comes your way, great. Else, keep at it,” Pathan added.

Pathan revealed that Hooda was playing with hard hands and he advised him to loosen his grip, which opened more scoring opportunities all around the ground for him.

“His off-side play was a bit of a hindrance. He needed to keep his hands relaxed and not a jab. His hands needed to be more fluid. And when he started playing with loose hands, he could access different parts of the ring. We also adjusted his stance, depending on the format. He worked on using the crease to maximise scoring opportunities in different areas, hitting boundaries along the ground by finding gaps – we simulated all of this,” Pathan concluded.