All-rounder Deepak Hooda, who was recently picked in India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies, has expressed his desire to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Hooda was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) after the IPL 2021 season. With the IPL 2022 mega auction around the corner, the Rohtak-born cricketer spoke about his aspirations of playing under MS Dhoni.

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"There is nothing like that. As of now, Deepak is not waiting for the auction on the 12th and 13th, he is just waiting for the 6th. There is no team as such, I just want to play. But my personal favorite team is the Chennai Super Kings. I am like a kid who wants to play under MS Dhoni," Hooda said in an exclusive chat with India News.

"I am MS Dhoni's die-hard fan, I like his leadership as well. I have spoken to him many times. When I had come to the Indian team earlier as well, Dhoni bhai was also there. Then also I used to talk to him and after that, whenever we have met we have spoken," he added.

Reflecting on his time at PBKS, Hooda said head coach Anil Kumble played a key role in his development over the last two years.

"I got to learn a lot from Anil Kumble over the last two years. He is himself a legend, he has 1000 international wickets. Obviously, even if you talk a sentence or word with him, it is a learning for you. I was able to handle pressure better because Anil Sir was there."

"I matured a lot in the last two years. I was in the midst of very good people, Anil Sir is one among them, who improved me mentally as well as my game. I had gone after having not played domestic cricket but still played the first game in the IPL. The way he used to explain my role, I used to be extremely clear," he remarked.

Overall, Deepak Hooda has played 80 matches in the cash-rich league so far, scoring 785 runs at a strike rate of 129.53 and claiming nine wickets.