Indian Wicket-keeper and Opener, Robin Uthappa had recently talked to Cricinfo’s T20 Timeout. He talked about Deepak Hooda and the No. 5 spot in the Indian Cricket Team. He also mentioned that Deepak Hooda is currently going through a good phase and Team India should make the most of it and utilize the All-rounder by every means possible.
Deepak Hooda has shown great form since making his T20I debut for India and many have been calling for the batting all-rounder to be involved in the team. His ability to bowl a couple of overs also tilts things in his favour.
“I would say that No.5 position is between Rishabh and Hooda”: Robin Uthappa
While talking about the battle of position between Rishabh Pant and Deepak Hooda, Robin Uthappa advocated Deepak Hooda saying that he is in good form and could also bowl a couple of overs for the team.
He said, “I would say that the No.5 position is between Rishabh and Hooda. The only thing is, Hooda is batting better at the moment and he can offer you something with the ball as he did against Afghanistan. It took him one ball to show he can contribute with the ball. Uska acha time chal raha hain (He is going through a good patch), you know, make the most of it.”
Uthappa also spoke about India’s record with Hooda in the team. He urged the team management to look at how he is performing at the moment and should keep the 27-year-old as a middle-order batter and have Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik come in at No.6 and No.7 respectively.
Robin Uthappa also hinted that Team India is going through a good phase as Deepak Hooda is in a good run. He mentioned, “In the 18 matches that he has played for India, India has won 16 of them. He has only lost two games and those are the last two matches. Things are going in his favour right now and they should consider the fact that they’re batting so well. And he is a middle order batter, so keep him in the middle order and at No.5 and at No. 6 and No. 7 you have Hardik and Dinesh and then you have the bowlers.”