Deepak Jagbir Hooda, born on 19th April 1995, has emerged as a promising talent in the world of cricket. Hailing from a family with a strong sporting background, he has made significant strides in both domestic and international cricket, making India proud.
Early Life and Sporting Roots
Deepak Hooda was born to Jajbir Hooda, an Indian Air Force personnel and a former Kabaddi player. His early exposure to sports set the stage for his future in cricket. He displayed a keen interest in sports from a young age, and it was no surprise when he took up cricket during his school days. His journey began as a wicket-keeper batsman, but over the years, he evolved into a formidable batting all-rounder.
A Rising Star in Domestic Cricket
According to his coach, Sanjiv Sawant, Hooda is known for his precision in bowling, making him a valuable asset to any team. He has also earned a reputation as an agile fielder, showcasing his all-round skills. His debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals in 2015 was a momentous occasion. Hooda made an immediate impact by scoring 30 runs off just 15 balls.
His second match in the IPL was even more remarkable, as he notched his maiden half-century, scoring 54 off 25 balls and earning the coveted title of ‘Man of the Match.’
In first-class cricket, Hooda reached a significant milestone by scoring his first double-century while representing Baroda in the fourth round of the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy. This accomplishment solidified his position as a prolific cricketer in domestic cricket.
IPL Journey and Transfers
Hooda’s journey in the IPL has been characterized by transfers between franchises. He was initially bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2016 IPL auction for 4.2 crores, and he played for the team for multiple seasons. Despite being released by the Sunrisers ahead of the 2020 IPL auction, he found a new home with the Kings XI Punjab. However, in the 2022 IPL auction, Hooda was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for an impressive ₹5.75 crores, highlighting his value in the T20 format.
International Breakthrough
Deepak Hooda’s dream of representing India on the international stage finally materialized in February 2022 when he made his debut for the Indian cricket team. This marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the realization of a lifelong dream.
His journey to international cricket had its share of trials and tribulations. Hooda was named in India’s T20I squad for various series but did not always find a spot in the playing XI. However, his consistent performances and unwavering determination paid off as he made his debut in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is against the West Indies.
One of the defining moments of his international career came in June 2022 when he scored a remarkable century in a T20I match against Ireland. His partnership with Sanju Samson, resulting in 176 runs, became the highest partnership for the second wicket in men’s T20I cricket and the highest partnership for any wicket for India.
Hooda’s impressive performances earned him a spot in India’s squad for the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, cementing his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.
In conclusion, Deepak Jagbir Hooda’s journey from a young boy with sporting aspirations to a prolific all-rounder in domestic and international cricket is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, versatility, and ability to seize the moment have brought him recognition on the grandest stages of the cricketing world, and he is poised to make a significant impact in the future of Indian cricket.
