Run up to T20 WC will be entertaining: Deepak Hooda’s magical form keeps selectors on the edge of their seats

India defeated Ireland by a narrow margin of four runs in the second and the final T20I. Deepak Hooda starred with a stunning century for India.

Indian batter Deepak Hooda became the fourth centurion for India in the T20 format, after his breathtaking 104 off 57 balls against Ireland at Malahide on Tuesday, 28 June. Hooda’s ability to access all parts of the ground without losing his shape awed the fans in the packed stadium in Ireland as India made merry and put up 225 runs in 20 overs, largely due to the partnership between Hooda and Sanju Samson.

With the T20 World Cup approaching in Australia later this year, and the initial India squad yet to be finalised, fans flocked to their social media to express their support for the Lucknow Super Giants batter who has been in stunning form since April 2022.

Hooda was awarded with a spot in the Indian side after his brilliant form in the IPL, a tournament where he was solely responsible for acceleration in the middle overs for LSG. The Rohtak born repaid the faith of the selectors, hitting a stroke filled 47 off 29 balls in the first match and then turning up with a century in the second one.

The player had the likes of Aakash Chopra and Sanjay Manjrekar in awe, who took to Twitter to express their support to the player.

“Deepak Hooda owned this series. Totally. And he happens to be the man who’s not got enough chancesbut how do you accommodate him when the senior guys are back? Run-up to the World Cup is going to be really entertaining,” wrote Chopra.

“What a phenomenal rise it’s been for Deepak Hooda! Unique way of creating opportunities for big hitting. Steps out at the last second to surprise the seam bowlers.Ends up hitting boundaries off good balls bowled in the stumps.Nightmare for bowlers,” Manjrekar expressed.