Deepak Hooda was the toast of Indian victory in the first T20I against Ireland on June 26. The match was a rain-curtailed 12 overs-a-side affair, which saw India chasing down 109 runs inside 10 overs.
Ireland batted first after new India captain Hardik Pandya won the toss in his maiden outing and thanks to Harry Tector’s 64* in 33 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, the home side put on 108/4 in 12 overs.
For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 1/16 in 3 overs and Yuzvendra Chahal with 1/11 in 3 overs were the pick of bowlers. Debutant Umran Malik went for 14 runs in the only over he bowled.
In reply, there was a bit of surprise as Deepak Hooda opened the innings in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Ishan Kishan. Kishan made 26 in 11 balls, while Hardik Pandya slammed 24 in 12 balls. But it was Hooda, who made 47* in 29 balls, holding up one end and hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes, as India romped home in 9.2 overs and won the first T20I by 7 wickets.
Deepak Hooda was opening the batting for the first time in his T20 cricket and it was challenging conditions as the ball was moving in the air, especially when the Ireland fast bowlers were operating with the new ball. He also stitched a 64-run stand in just 31 balls with captain Hardik.
Talking to Yuzvendra Chahal on Chahal TV, Hooda spoke about his experience opening the innings.
He said: "Obviously, I was a bit nervous. But at the same time, there will be challenges in life, so I was facing the challenge and I am up for everything. The partnership with Hardik was quick and because of that, we moved ahead quickly in the game. I didn't plan specifically to hit a six or four, I just wanted to finish the game (winning shot).
Ishan Kishan's early attacking start helped me ease into the innings. I was able to take a bit of time. I really enjoyed opening. In the IPL also, I have batted at No. 3 and No. 4, so I was excited and was ready for it.”
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Even captain Hardik Pandya was all praises for Deepak Hooda, saying that it was not easy for the Baroda batter to open the innings on short notice, but he did a very good job.
"Very happy for (Deepak) Hooda as well because to open (the innings) after being told at the last minute and then to go and finish the game shows a lot of his character. So very happy for him," Hardik added.
The second T20I will be played at the same ground on June 28.
