India began their preparations for the World T20 which is 3 months away with a commanding performance over England. The men in blue won their first T20 against England at Southampton by 50 runs. The Indian team dominated the game right from the start as they held their own with the bat and ball. India’s win meant that they have a 1-0 lead in the 3 match series with the final two games to be played on Saturday and Sunday. The game saw Deepak Hooda flex his muscles yet again while batting at number 3 for India.
Deepak Hooda’s massive blow almost gets the commentators –
Deepak Hooda was again asked to bat number 3 as Virat Kohli was rested for this game along with Pant and Bumrah. Hooda came in at the fall of Rohit who perished for 24 off 14 balls caught behind by Buttler of Ali. Hooda opened his account with a massive six of Ali, and the very next ball he hit it for yet another maximum. The 2nd six fell near the commentary booth which was erected just behind the boundary line. Ravi Shastri and Michael Atherton were commentating during the Hooda mayhem as the ball just missed the booth by a few inches.
— Guess Karo (@KuchNahiUkhada) July 8, 2022
Hooda’s recent form –
Deepak Hooda has been in terrific form with the bat in recent times, Hooda first began with a 47 against Ireland. Hooda was asked to open the batting in place of the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, in a small chase of 108 in 12 overs. The next game he batted at 3, and scored a memorable 104 run knock for India. In the process, Hooda became the 4th Indian to score a T20 century for India. The century was also India’s 8th T20 century in this format of the game. Hooda on Thursday was again in his elements as he flayed the bowlers across the field. He was severe on Ali, who accounted for 2 wickets with the ball. Hooda was batting well till he fell for 33 off 17 balls going for a paddle scoop to a slower ball from Jordan to be caught at fine leg.
Seeing Hooda’s current form, many experts have predicted he could replace Kohli in the T20 team, amidst the bad run of form for Kohli.