After being named in the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, beginning on February 6 in Ahmedabad, former Baroda and current Rajasthan all-rounder Deepak Hooda has expressed his gratitude to the veteran Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, for their impact in his career.
Hooda was part of India’s Nidahas Trophy side back in 2018 but did not get an opportunity to make his debut. He will be hoping that things will be different this time around, especially with India’s middle-order woes in recent times.
In a chat he had with The New Indian Express, the 26-year-old went on to speak about the Pathan brothers, who have been his mentors for quite some time now.
He revealed that he often used to ask Irfan why he wasn’t able to secure a place in the Indian side, to which the veteran all-rounder used to reassure him that his time would come, and that he would definitely get a chance to play for India if he kept up his performances in the domestic circuit.
“People wondered and doubts crept in pretty often, but Irfan Bhai always told me one line, ‘Apna time aayega”
said Hooda in the interview.
He also acknowledged how the Pathan brothers also gave him valuable advice with regards to his mental health, and urged him to remain calm, to continue what he was doing, and to not hamper his game by thinking of things beyond his control.
“I slowly got close to Irfan Bhai and Yusuf (Pathan) Bhai. They taught me to be calm, they made me realize the power of calmness. As a youngster, it was natural to be restless and I was no exception. It was hampering my game. At times, I tried too hard. Tried to overdo things that weren’t needed,”
Hooda added.
Hooda said that the brothers also taught him the importance of perseverance and a good work ethic. He revealed that Irfan instructed him on his preparation, and confessed that the mentorship that the Pathans offered him paid off.
“I remember Irfan Bhai telling me the importance of preparation and process. Doing the same thing over and over again, without expecting anything from anyone.
So, be it the gym sessions, training at the nets, and following a strict diet, I always maintained a good work ethic. It paid off,”
he said as he spoke about how Irfan gave him insights on what needs to be done in order to reach the highest level.
Hooda could make his debut against the Windies in the three-match series, as India aim to bounce back from the disappointing loss against the Proteas.
