Irfan Pathan considers Hooda and Ashwin sure starters in India's T20 WC XI

Deepak Hooda with Axar Patel [PC: Twitter]

Promising batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda managed to secure a place in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. 

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the Men in Blue will be benefitted from Hooda's inclusion in their playing XI. 

Speaking of Hooda's credentials, Pathan stressed that apart from being a dynamic finisher, the youngster can provide India with a decent sixth bowling option, thereby bringing balance to the team. 

Although the legendary left-arm seamer is well aware of the cut-throat competition for a spot in the playing XI, he considers Hooda as a front-runner in the race because of his all-round attributes. 

"I think Deepak Hooda will need to play from the first game because he is a sixth bowling option, something that you struggled for in the last World Cup. There will be a choice that they have to make between whether they want to play a left-hander in the middle order or Hooda but I feel the latter will have odds in his favour."

Ravi Ashwin in action [PC: Twitter]

Pathan, one of the chief architects of India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in 2007, further predicted that Ravichandran Ashwin would spearhead the spin department alongside Yuzvendra Chahal in the showpiece event.   

"If you look at the spin options, I feel Ashwin will play along with Chahal. This is because he has improved his batting a lot and also has had an economy rate of under 8 the whole year."

Despite recording modest numbers in the Asia Cup, Hooda and Ashwin have been selected for the World Cup. This shows how clear the team management is in its preferences and doesn't believe in too much chopping and changing in the eleventh hour. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Top five moments of the tournament