Batting at No. 3, Hooda slammed 104 off 57 balls in the second T20I against Ireland.
Batting at No. 3, Hooda returned with 104 off 57 balls to propel the visitors to a mammoth 225/7 in 20 overs. His knock was studded with 9 fours and 6 sixes.
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This series presented a new challenge to Hooda as he countered the new ball in both games. While the all-rounder opened the innings in the first T20I after Ruturaj Gaikwad picked a niggle in his calf, he was promoted to No. 3 in the second match.
"I've never opened in an international game, but being a top-order batsman, you have to cope up to the challenges and you don't have any option.
"And if you don't have any option, then why don't you go there like a warrior. That's how I think, and things turned in my way. I'm happy about that," said Hooda after the second T20I.
Deepak Hooda earned the Player-of-the-Series award but he admitted that it is not easy to get into and retain a place in the Indian team.
"To be honest, yes it is difficult to find a spot in the Indian team and then staying there. But at the same time when you're playing in India colours, that time you never think about yourself, you think about the team.
"That's what I think about on the ground 'How can I contribute to the team in that situation'. I don't think more than that, try to keep things simple. Yes, it's a matter of pride for me that I'm playing for India, no matter if I'm scoring or not," he stated.
With this knock, Hooda became only the fourth Indian batter to slam a century in the shortest format
"To be honest, the Irish team played really well against us and we enjoyed playing against them.
"Between the first and second game, I think there was a difference in the pitch. In the first game, the conditions were overcast and the wicket was damp. But today the wicket was very good for batting, as is clear by the way both teams batted. So I felt the wicket was a big factor."
Hooda, who became only the fourth Indian batter to slam a century in the shortest format, also revealed that a mindset change recently has helped him perform better.
"Being a cricketer, what I've learnt lately is that you should not think too far ahead. How many ever series, look at it one game at a time. If my work ethic is good, I'm going to be in a good space of mind and I'm going to score, that's my thinking.
"Try to keep it simple, live in the present, play the situation well, and then automatically the outcome will come. Now or later, it will come," he said.
During his knock, Hooda was involved in a record partnership of 176 runs for the second wicket with Sanju Samson, who scored 77 off 42 balls while opening the innings.
"To be honest, I was coming from a good IPL and wanted to follow the same performance. Happy with my intent. I like playing in that manner (aggressive) and these days I am batting up the order so getting some time.
"Sanju is my childhood friend, always good to bat with him. Thank you to fans, the way they came and supported us," Hooda said.
(With PTI inputs)