Deepak Hooda knows the challenges of playing at the tricky No. 6 position in T20Is, and has prepared himself for any kind of collapse such as what happened in India’s win against Sri Lanka in the opening game.
India was at 77/4 when Hooda arrived. India’s 23-ball-41 and four sixes helped India reach a manageable total of 162.
His effort earned him the ‘player-of-the-match’ award.
Hooda was asked if he felt pressure to come in during the crucial part of the innings, with India losing the top and middle orders. Any time can see a collapse.
“But, I don’t believe it was a true collapse as we were in a good place. We lost a few wickets, but that’s the role of a No. 6, and No. 6 and No. 7 batter (to bat with confidence), be it the first match or the second. Hooda said that it was a great win at the post-match press conference.
Hooda believes he must be respectful of the situation and play according to it, but at the slot where he bats, he would need a great finisher more often than not.
You have to play according to the type of wicket you are given. As a batsman, you have to make sure the team gets a good score. As a No.6 batsman, it is important to win the game. That was all that was going on in my head.
Hooda stated that he was now able to play freely even though the spinners had nearly stifled top- and middle-order batters. Wanindu Hasaranga had just completed his quota and the wicket had also settled down.
Although the situation was not ideal for hitting the ball hard at first, it was Hasaranga’s last over, and then he used his loose ball to bowl a ball. You must keep your intent to hit in a T20 match. You can only hit the ball if you place it in the right spot. He said that it was, I think, the perfect moment to play with my partner Axar Patel. It was also a great execution.
The all-rounder conceded that there could have been a few more runs for the hosts.
“The (team meeting) hasn’t occurred, but we were certain 10-12 runs short. Hooda stated that we reached a good result at the end.
He said that the India batters initially struggled due to the lack of dew on Wankhede pitch, and the ball was slower.
“Generally, there’s dew on the Wankhede pitch, but the first innings had very little dew. This was due to the slow wicket. He said that the openers had started the game well and that we ended it strong, and that was what the game requires.
